UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT  LOS  ANGELES 


r 


The  Passion  Play 


AT 


OBER  AMMERGAU 


By 
ESSE   ESTO   MAPLESTONE 


2  3  7  2L  o 

With  complete  text  from  the  German 


BROADWAY     PUBLISHING    CO. 

8s5  Broadway,  New  York 


Copyright,  1911,  by 

E.  MAPLESTONE, 

Chicago 


^-^  0*' 


•-o 


PVi 


6  C  \    V 


\^?>a 


To  my  dear  little  Mother  and  the  tried  and 
loyal  friends  whose  faith  and  earnest  support 
makes  possible  all  achievements,  I  inscribe  this 
volume. 


THE  PASSION  PLAY 

a  3  7  2  o 


High  up  in  the  Bavarian  Alps  in  the  extreme 
south  of  Germany  Hes  the  valley  of  the  Am- 
mer,  perhaps  ten  miles  long  by  three  or  four 
in  width.  It  contains  two  villages,  lower  and 
upper,  or  Unter  and  Ober-Ammergau,  Shut  in 
by  the  rocky,  pine-clad  mountains  which  tower 
above  them,  the  thirteen  hundred  inhabitants  of 
Oberammergau  pasture  their  seven  hundred 
cows  on  the  rich  slopes  of  the  Alps,  follow  their 
vocations  of  potter,  carver  in  ivory  and  wood 
and  agriculturist,  and  care  little  for  the  strife 
of  the  outer  world :  and  yet  the  influence  of 
their  lives  has  touched  the  remotest  bounds  of 
civilization.  All  this  is  the  result  of  the  single 
act  of  one  of  their  number  who  crept  home 
from  a  neighboring  village,  eluding  the  vigi- 
lant guard,  on  a  dark  night  in   1633. 

He  came  to  die  in  the  bosom  of  his  family, 
having  contracted  the  plague  where  he  was 
employed.  He  and  his  family  died  and  the 
plague  was  so  terrible  that  in  some  nearby  vil- 

5 


Clje   pa00ion   piay 


lagcs  not  a  married  couple  was  left,  and  in  Ober- 
animergau  over  forty  of  the  inhabitants  were 
stricken  down.  Then  these  people  in  their  sim- 
plicity and  faith  assembled  in  the  church  and 
vowed  that  if  the  hand  of  Death  was  stayed, 
they  would,  every  ten  years,  perform  the  Pas- 
sion of  the  Saviour.  From  that  time  the  shafts 
of  the  Destroyer  were  stayed,  and  the  next  year, 
1634,  the  Passion  Play  was  rendered,  and  with 
few  exceptions,  has  been  given  every  ten  years 
since. 

In  1870  the  outbreak  of  the  Prussian  war 
called  the  Christus  from  the  cross  to  defend 
his  country,  but  King  Ludwig,  who  was  deeply 
interested  in  the  play,  retired  him  to  hospital 
duty  that  he  might  not  be  slain,  and  the  next 
year  the  play  was  finished.  This  village  was 
little  heard  of  before  1890  but  during  that  year 
over  200,000  people  visited  it.  Seven  hundred 
sixty-five  (765)  persons  take  part  in  this  won- 
derful reproduction,  but  only  one  hundred 
twenty-five  (125)  have  speaking  parts.  So 
jealously  do  they  guard  its  performance  that  not 
one  of  the  neighboring  villagers  has  ever  been 
allowed  to  i:)articipate ;  only  one  importation  be- 
ing made  and  that  the  ass's  colt  on  which  the 
Saviour  makes  his  triumphal  entry.  Tempting 
offers  have  been  made  these  people  to  leave 
their  homes  and  give  the  play  in  distant  cities, 
but  their  reply  is  that  when  they  can  take  Kofel, 
their  guardian  mountain,  with  them,  and  not  till 
then,   will   they  go.     On   the   topmost  crag  of 

6 


Cfte   pa0sion   piaji) 


this  mountain  which  towers  above  them  in 
grandeur,  a  reverent  hand  has  planted  a  cross 
which  looks  down  upon  them  day  and  night,  and 
in  its  shadow  they  fulfil  their  parts  as  an  act  of 
solemn  worship. 

The  play  formerly  contained  many  crude,  su- 
perstitious ideas,  but  under  the  loving  hand  of 
the  village  priest,  aided  by  the  schoolmaster. 
all  objectionable  features  have  been  eliminated, 
and  there  remains  nothing  to  grate  upon  the 
finest  sensibilities.  On  the  coittrary,  many  who 
come  from  curiosity  are  permeated  by  the  spirit 
of  deep  reverence,  and  go  away  awed  by  the 
scene  and  feel  that  they  have  indeed  been  on 
holy  ground.  Few  would  think  of  sitting 
through  a  performance  of  any  kind  for  an  en- 
tire day,  but  this  commences  at  eight  o'clock 
in  the  morning  and  continues  until  nearly  6 
p.  m..  save  for  the  intermission  oL  one  and 
one-half  hours  for  dinner ;  and  you  forget  time, 
space,  companions,  surroundings — even  the  cen- 
tury in  which  you  live,  and  are  carried  back  to 
the  days  when  the  humble_^IVazarene  wearily 
trod  the  shores  of  Galilee.  Before  describing 
the  play  more  particularly,  "  let  us  picture  the 
village. 

A  narrow,  unpaved,  straggling  street  runs 
through  the  hamlet,  and  the  German  houses, 
some  fashioned  lilce  Swiss  cottages,  others  with 
big,  staring  gables  standing  out  prominently,  line 
it,  and  the  short,  crooked,  cross  streets  wliicii 
are  really  no  more  than  cow  paths.     Indeed,  one 

7 


of  the  familiar  scenes  morning  and  evening,  is 
the  long  line  of  cows  wending  their  way  down 
the  main  street,  to  the  doors  of  their  respective 
owners,  to  be  milked.  We  said  the  houses  line 
the  street,  but  many  of  them  stand  with  one 
corner  toward  it.  They  are  built  of  small  rough 
stones  mortared  over  on  the  outside  and  tinted  a 
delicate  yellow,  pink  or  brown.  A  band  of 
broad  frescoing  of  quaint  design  passes  around 
the  upper  story. 

The  older  houses  and  many  of  the  new  ones 
(the  same  is  true  of  many  of  the  houses  in  Swit- 
zerland), are  built  without  iron.  The  joists  and 
woodwork  are  morticed  together ;  the  doors  are 
hung  on  wooden  pins  and  latches  are  whittled 
of  the  same  material,  no  lock  being  used,  but 
the  proverbial  latchstring  in  evidence  as  a 
reality.  You  may  wonder  how  the  roofs  are 
held  on  without  nails,  but  that  is  easily  managed. 
The  shingles  are  rough  hewn  and  overlapped 
until  the  roof  is  several  inches  thick.  Across  it 
at  intervals  are  laid  rough  slabs  and  these  are 
held  in  place  by  flat,  irregular  stones,  varying  in 
size  and  weight. 

The  floors  are  uncarpeted  but  scoured  white 
and  clean ;  the  walls  simply  plastered  and  the 
houses  are  lighted  mostly  by  candles.  The  beds 
are  spotless  and  like  many  of  those  in  Germany, 
Belgium  and  Switzerland,  consist  of  two  feather 
beds,  one  to  lie  upon  and  the  other  for  a  cover; 
but  they  are  comfortable  even  during  the  sum- 

8 


Cfje   pa00fon   piap 


mer,  as  the  high  altitude  keeps  the  weather  cool 
much  of  the  time.  All  are  single  beds,  as  is  true 
everywhere  on  the  continent.  You  can  secure 
a.  room  for  two,  three  or  four  persons,  but  each 
has  a  bed  for  himself. 

The  village  church,  which  is  Roman  Catholic, 
is  surrounded  by  the  cemetery  filled  with  graves, 
marked  by  headstones  trimmed  with  wreaths  of 
bead  flowers.  The  church  will  seat  between 
300  and  400  people,  has  high  narrow  windows 
of  frosted  glass  with  here  and  there  panes  of 
stained  glass.  The  walls  and  ceiling  are  painted 
and  decorated  with  designs  in  stucco  work,  verg- 
ing a  little  on  the  gaudy,  following  the  German 
love  of  color. 

On  a  high,  grassy  knoll  in  sight  of  the  village, 
perhaps  a  third  of  a  mile  distant,  stands  a  group 
of  white  marble  statuary  presented  by  King 
Ludwig  II,  Christ  is  the  central  figure  and 
Mary  and  John  stand  on  either  side.  When 
this  group  was  brought  over  the  mountains,  the 
figure  of  John  rolled  from  its  support  and 
crushed  one  of  the  workmen  to  death. 

The  business  management  of  the  Passion  Play 
is  in  the  hands  of  an  organization  of  villagers, 
who  look  after  the  sale  of  tickets,  accommoda- 
tion for  visitors,  and  incidentals.  They  also  elect 
the  players  for  the  different  parts,  and  superin- 
tend the  rehearsals,  which  begin  in  December  for 
the  following  season.  Those  who  take  part  re- 
ceive less   remuneration  than   if  they   followed 


C&e   Pa00ion   piap 


:  their  every-day  callings,  the  bulk  of  the  funds 
I  going  to  the  town  for  improvements,  to  the 
'  church,  and  for  necessary  expenses. 
,  The  play  is  given  on  Sundays  and  Wednes- 
[  days  from  May  to  October,  and  if  too  many 
'  visitors  come  to  be  seated  at  the  regular  per- 
formance, an  overllow  rendering  is  given  the 
following  day.  The  Auditorium  seats  foiu^ 
thousand  people.  It  is  walled  on  three  sides, 
roofed  over  the  audience,  but  the  balance  is 
open  to  the  sky  as  much  as  possible,  and  the 
mountains  form  a  fitting  background  and  enable 
the  players  to  keep  their  eyes  on  Kofel,  their 
cross-crowned,  guardian  mountain.  The  firing 
of  the  cannon  summons  the  devout  villagers  to 
six  o'clock  mass,  and  there  you  can  readily  de- 
termine which  of  the  male  members  of  the  con- 
gregation are  participants  in  the  play  by  their 
long  hair,  as  no  wigs  are  worn,  no  paint  or  burnt 
cork  used,  no  footlights,  and  in  fact  no  artificial 
lights  of  any  kind,  but  the  light  of  heaven 
streams  in  upon  the  open  stage,  where  sunlight 
and  shadow  blend,  and  not  infrequently  the 
Crucifixion  Scene  is  solemnized  by  a  thunder 
storm.  When  it  rains  during  the  session,  the 
play  proceeds  in  spite  of  the  uncovered  stage, 
unless  the  rainfall  is  too  severe,  when  a  short 
rest  is  taken.  Often  the  temperature  is  so  low 
the  audience  suffers  with  the  cold,  though 
wrapped  in  steamer  rugs  and  blankets,  but  the 
players  proceed  without  apparently  taking  heed 
of  the   weather,  although   they  are  bareheaded 

10 


Cl)c   pa$0ion    piaj? 


and  their  arms  and  sandaled  feet  look  very  un- 
comfortable. 

Now  seat  yourself  with  us  facing  the  stage. 
Picture  a  plain  building  like  a  Greek  temple, 
except  it  has  no  pillared  porch,  but  a  curtain. 
This  occupies  the  center  of  your  Aiew.  To  the 
riglit  and  left  are  the  streets  of  Jerusalem  run- 
ning from  you  and  across  the  corners  at  either 
side,  the  Judgment  Hall  of  Pilate  and  tlie  resi- 
dence of  Annas  the  High  Priest,  each  reached 
by  a  flight  of  a  dozen  steps.  In  front  of  the 
latter,  leading  into  the  side  wings  are  corridors 
set  off  by  Greek  pillars,  and  filling  the  space 
in  front  of  the  curtain  is  an  outer  stage  about 
fifteen  feet  deep  and  eighty  feet  across. 

Every  seat  in  the  Auditorium  is  filled.  There 
is  no  coming  in  after  the  curtain  rises,  or 
going  out  between  acts.  The  curtain  is  down. 
Could  we  look  beyond  it,  we  would  see  all  who 
are  to  take  part  in  the  representation  kneeling 
in  silent  prayer.  Presently  upon  the  ears  of  the 
waiting  throng  steal  strains  of  hidden  music — 
a  solemn  march — and  then  from  either  wing 
come  the  guardian  angels  or  chorus  singers. 
They  meet  in  the  center  at  the  front  of  the 
outer  stage,  35  in  number,  the  central  figure 
majestic  in  every  line  of  his  patriarchal  face 
and  white  beard.  This  is  Herr  Myers,  the 
choragus  or  chorister,  and  in  1890  as  well  as  in 
1870  and  t88o  he  took  the  part  of  the  Christus. 
I  le  is  not  an  old  man  but  grief  for  tlie  loss  of 
his   wife   turned   his   hair   snow    white.     These 

II 


Cfte   pas0ion   piap 


chorus  singers  comprise  twenty  girls  and  fifteen 
men.  All  are  dressed  in  Roman  tunics  of  white 
with  a  gold  band  at  the  top  of  the  hem.  From 
the  shoulders  falls  in  graceful  folds  a  colored 
mantle  edged  with  another  band  of  gold,  the 
mantle  of  the  choragus  only  being  white,  and 
the  others  two  and  two,  one  on  either  side,  dark- 
purple,  crimson,  brown,  green,  orange,  blue  and 
other  colors.  Once,  after  the  Crucifixion  Scene, 
these  robes  are  changed  for  black,  but  on  the 
resurrection  morning,  the  colored  ones  are  again 
donned  and  add  brightness  to  the  scene.  The 
hair  is  worn  loosely  down  the  back,  the  head 
surmounted  by  a  gilt  crown,  the  arms  bare  and 
feet  clad  with  sandals.  Now  the  music  ceases 
and  the  prologuer  in  a  clear,  resonant  tone, 
chants  a  description  of  the  coming  scene.  The 
singers  follow  and  as  the  notes  float  out  upon 
the  air,  clear,  full,  musical,  now  soaring  aloft 
as  if  on  eagle's  wing,  now  sinking  to  a  gentle 
cadence,  the  assembled  multitude  sits  entranced 
and  it  is  easy  to  imagine  you  hear  the  voices  of 
guardian  angels.  The  song  ended,  the  chorus 
falls  back  to  the  right  and  left  of  the  curtain, 
which  rises,  disclosing  a  picture  of  wondrous 
beauty. 

Grouped  in  faultless  array  are  more  than 
seven  hundred  persons  garbed  in  the  bright 
colors  and  flowing  garments  of  the  Orient,  Jews 
of  the  Sanhedrin  with  wide  bordered  phylac- 
teries, Arabs  from  the  desert  in  their  heavy  tur- 
bans, fishermen  from  the  seashore;  here  a  Ro- 

12 


C^e   passion   pia? 


man  soldier  in  helmet  and  mail,  there  a  peasant 
mother  with  her  children  clustering  about  her ; 
all  phases  of  the  lives  that  were  touched  by  the 
one  perfect  life.  And  the  charm  of  this  pic- 
ture, as  indeed  of  the  entire  portrayal,  rests 
in  the  unaffected  simplicity  and  devout  earnest- 
ness of  the  participants. 

The  grouping  is  marvelous  and  the  artistic 
skill  shown  in  every  attitude  and  movement  is 
beyond  the  ken  of  far-famed  favorites  of  the 
footlights,  who  come  incredulous  and  go  away 
wondering.  And  still  you  gaze  at  the  tableau. 
Is  it  possible  all  that  mass  is  human  flesh  and 
blood,  or  is  it  cast  upon  a  huge  canvas  by  the 
skillful  hand  of  a  great  artist,  or  is  it  a  dream 
that  will  fade  away  ?  You  are  still  wondering 
as  the  curtain  falls — invisible  music  again  fills 
the  air  and  the  chorus  peals  forth  triumphant 
strains.  As  they  retire  into  the  wings,  shouts 
of  joy  and  gladness  fill  the  air. 

(i)  Looking  down  one  of  the  streets  of  Je- 
rusalem, you  see  the  holiday  throng  surge  forth, 
casting  palms  and  branches  in  the  way,  and  lo! 
the  Christus,  meek  and  riding  upon  the  foal  of 
an  ass!  So  strong  is  the  resemblance  of  Anton 
Lang  to  the  pictures  one  sees  of  Christ,  you 
would  recognize  him  anywhere. 

There  are  eighteen  scenes  from  the  passion 
week  depicted,  and  following  each  the  chorus 
comes  forth  in  perfect  harmony  of  song  and 
grace  of  motion,  followed  by  two  tableaux,  one 
from  the  Old  Testament  and  one  from  the  New 

13 


Cfje    pa$0ioit    piap 


which  the  former  prefigured.  Thus  we  have 
Adam  and  Eve  driven  from  the  garden,  clad 
in  snowy  sheepskin,  the  serpent  hirking  in  the 
tree ;  Cain  fleeing  from  the  wrath  of  God  after 
kiUing  Ahel ;  Abraham,  with  knife  upraised  to 
slay  his  son,  an  angel  stays  his  hand  and  be- 
hold a  ram  caught  in  the  thicket.  Joseph  sold 
by  his  brethren,  who  show  the  many-colored 
coat  to  their  father.  Joseph  as  prime  minis- 
ter. The  Adoration  of  the  Cross,  Mourning 
with  the  Bereaved  Bride  (from  the  Apocry- 
pha), The  Presentation  of  the  Child  in  the 
Temple.  Jesus'  visit  to  the  Temple  at  the  age 
of  twelve.  The  Flight  into  Egypt.  At  the 
Carpenter's   Bench  and  others. 

(2)  After  the  triumphal  entry  in  the  regular 
scenes  of  the  Passion  week,  comes  the  casting 
out  of  the  Money  changers.  Christ  in  a  white 
robe  with  a  scourge  in  His  hand  is  the  personi- 
fication of  indignant  majesty,  while  the  howling 
and  cursing  of  the  infuriated  merchants  resound 
through  the  air. 

(3)  The  Last  Supper  is  very  touching — as 
Christ  tenderly  talks  to  his  chosen  band  (John 
leaning  upon  His  breast)  of  their  coming  sep- 
aration. Then  He  gives  the  cup  to  Judas,  who 
snaps  at  it  like  a  surly  cur  and  turns  aside  with 
the  fierce  fire  of  hate  burning  in  his  eyes.  Christ 
tells  him  to  do  what  he  does  quickly  and  Judas 
leaves  the  room.  Then  Christ  blesses  the  cup 
and  institutes  the  Last  Supper,  washes  the  dis- 
ciples'  feet   and  they  go  out. 

14 


Ci)e   passion   piap 


(4)  We  are  now  before  the  Sanhedrin  where 
Judas  comes,  fearful,  hesitating,  but  bargaining 
for  the  thirt)'  pieces  of  silver.  A  heated  dis- 
cussion follows  in  the  Sanhedrin — that  grave 
body  of  Jews — over  the  seditions  they  claim  Je- 
sus has  perpetrated.  Nicodemus,  Nathaniel  and 
Joseph  of  Arimathea  counsel  against  harming 
Jesus  and  finally  leave  the  hall,  determined  to 
have  nothing  to  do  with  his  destruction. 

(5)  Let  us  now  go  to  Gethsemane,  where 
we  shall  see  Jesus  and  His  disciples.  He  leaves 
them  and  as  He  kneels  and  prays,  we  can  see 
the  agony  and  the  human  loneliness  as  He  finds 
His  companions  sleeping.  Later  an  angel  com- 
forts Him,  light  is  shed  upon  His  soul,  and  He 
rises  and  calmly  goes  forth  to  meet  His  betrayer. 
How  real  it  all  is. 

(6)  Now  see  the  soldiers  led  by  Judas, 
searching  among  the  shadows  of  the  olive  trees, 
lantern  in  hand,  and  taking  Him  whom  Judas 
kisses.  The  impetuous  Peter  strikes  at  the  sol- 
dier's ear,  and  then  the  disciples  slip  away  into 
the  darkness  as  Jesus  is  led  away  by  His  captors. 

(7)  In  the  court  of  the  palace  is  a  rude  fire 
where  the  soldiers  and  servants  warm  them- 
selves, and  here  Peter  denies,  with  an  angry 
oath,  the  master  to  whom  he  had  so  recently 
sworn  fealty.  The  cock  crows,  he  looks  through 
the  open  door  of  the  palace  and  goes  out  to 
weep. 

(8)  (9)  Following  these  are  the  scenes  be- 
fore Annas  and  Caiaphas,  when  Jesus  is  taken 

15 


Ciie   passion   piap 


before  Pilate,  who  comes  out  to  the  people  on 
the  portico  of  his  judgment  hall  and  speaks  to 
the  angry  mob.  They  listen,  but  answer  every 
suggestion  by  an  angry  yell,  and  the  cries  of 
"Crucify  Him,"  "Crucify  Him."  What  a  con- 
trast to  the  glad  cries  of  the  joyful  entry  of 
a  few  days  before.  Pilate  washes  his  hands 
and  Christ  is  led  away  by  the  mob. 

(lo)  We  now  witness  the  remorse  of  Judas, 
and  we  wish  we  could  portray  to  you  the  mut- 
terings  and  ravings  and  the  agony  depicted  on 
the  face  of  Judas.  In  his  hand  is  the  bag  with 
the  thirty  pieces  of  silver  which  are  now  hate- 
ful to  him.  He  throws  it  from  him,  spurns 
it,  tramples  upon  it ;  tears  his  hair  and  staggers 
about  like  one  bewildered.  Finally  he  takes  a 
resolve — picks  up  the  bag  and  goes  out. 

(ii)  Reappearing  in  the  next  scene  before 
the  Sanhedrin,  Judas  begs  them  to  take  back 
the  silver  and  release  Jesus.  Failing  in  this 
he  throws  the  bag  across  the  floor  and  departs, 
hurling  an  anathema  against  the  august  as- 
sembly. 

(12)  Again  the  betrayer  is  seen  in  the  agonies 
of  remorse,  which  end  in  his  tying  a  rope  about 
his  neck  and  drawing  it  over  the  limb  of  a 
tree.    As  he  swings  off  the  curtain  falls. 

(i3;)  Then  Christ  is  brought  forth  crowned 
with  thorns,  blindfolded,  and  set  against  a  post 
and  scourged  and  spit  upon  by  the  guard  of 
Roman  soldiers.  It  fairly  makes  your  blood 
boil  to  see  Him  treated  thus,  and  we  realize  as 

16 


Cf)e   pas$jon   piap 


never  before  how  He  suffered   for  us   without 
a  word  of   rebuke   or   reproach. 

(14)  Jesus  led  forth  to  the  place  of  Golgotha, 
bearing-  His  cross,  under  which  He  faints  and 
falls,  when  Simon  the  Cyrenian  is  pressed  into 
the  service  and  the  procession  continues  on  its 
way.  Slowly  and  sadly  it  passes  out  beyond 
the  city  walls,  followed  by  the  curious  crowd, 
and  on  the  outskirts  a  few  faithful  followers 
linger  with   intense  longing  in  their   eyes. 

(15)  When  the  curtain  next  rises,  we  see 
two  crosses  to  which  the  thieves  are  nailed,  al- 
ready placed,  and  Christ  nailed  to  a  third  cross 
on  the  ground.  We  had  heard  the  dull  thuds 
of  the  workmen  nailing  through  the  flesh.  It 
se«med  so  real,  so  terrible,  so  life-like,  all  the 
agony  and  sorrow  of  the  dying  Lord,  and  now 
they  raise  His  cross  and  with  a  jerk  that  pierces 
your  very  marrow,  thrust  it  into  the  socket. 
Then  the  soldiers  sit  down  and  drink  and  jest 
and  divide  His  garments  among  themselves. 
About  the  cross  is  the  group  of  faithful  fol- 
lowers sorrowing.  There  are  John  and  Mary, 
and  the  scene  is  very  touching  when  Jesus 
commits  Mary  to  John's  care,  as  are  also  all  His 
words  spoken  from  the  cross — the  supplication 
for  forgiveness  for  his  enemies,  and  the  appeal 
to  His  Father;  but  at  last  His  head  droops,  He 
cries  "It  is  finished,"  the  thunder  peals,  and 
all  is  over. 

(16)  Then  comes  the  descent  from  the  cross, 
and  this  is  one  of  the  tenderest  scenes  of  the 


17 


Cfte   pa00!on   piap 


entire  production,  even  more  so  than  the  Fare- 
well to  His  Mother.  A  ladder  is  placed  against 
the  cross,  and  Joseph  of  Arimathea  climbs  up 
and  passes  a  long  roll  of  linen  cloth  about 
Christ's  bod}^  under  his  arms,  the  ends  of  it  over 
the  arms  of  the  cross,  the  same  being  held  by 
another  person  on  the  ground,  who  thus  assists 
in  lowering  the  form.  Joseph  then  supports  the 
body  with  one  arm,  and  slowly  descending  the 
ladder  lays  Him  on  the  ground  beside  His  Moth- 
er, His  head  upon  her  lap.  How  tenderly  and 
reverently  they  render  the  last  offices  and  pre- 
pare the  Christ  for  His  burial. 

(17)  The  resurrection  is  a  gladsome  scene, 
filled  with  brightness  and  joy.  The  chorus  sings 
glad  anthems  and  the  gloom  on  all  faces  is 
dispelled  by  the  knowledge  that  their  Lord  is 
risen.  It  seems  as  if  you  could  no  more  doubt 
His  rising,  but  the  climax  comes  with  the 

(18)  Ascension  which  is  very  realistic,  Christ 
rising  up,  up,  up  until,  surrounded  by  clouds 
and  angels,  He  disappears  from  view  as  the  cur- 
tain falls  and  the  Passion  Play  is  over. 


18 


The  Text  of  the  Passion  Play  from  the  German. 

THE  PASSION  PLAY 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

From  the  Entrance  of  Christ  into  Jerusa- 
lem TO  His  Apprehension  in  the 
Olive  Garden. 

ACT  I. 

Prologue. 

[Enter  the  Chorus.  The  Choragus — Leader 
of  the  Chorus — reciting,  exhorts  the  audience 
to  a  devout  contemplation  of  the  holy  drama,  ex- 
plaining its  lesson — God  reconciled  to  man 
through  Christ.  "All  Hail,"  he  says,  "ivelcome 
to  the  band  of  brothers,  zvhoin  Divine  love  hath 
'here  assembled,  zvJio  zi'ish  to  share  the  sorrows 
of  their  Saznor,  and  to  follozv  Him,  on  the  zvay 
to  the  cross."] 

19 


Cle   pa!8i$ion   piap 


[He  sings:] 

Cast  thyself  down  in  holy  wonder, 
Race  oppressed  by  God's  own  curse! 
Peace  be  to  thee !    From  Zion  grace  again. 
He  is  not  wroth  eternally. 
The  anger  of  the  offended  One  is  just. 

"I  desire  not  the  death  of  the  sinner." 
Thus  saith  the  Lord. 
"I  will  forgive  him.     He  shall  live." 
And  gave  His  Son  to  free  the  World  from  sin. 
Praise  and  thanks  therefore  we  offer, 
To  Thee,   Eternal. 

[The  curtain  rises.] 

FIRST     TABLEAU:  The    expulsion    from 
Paradise. 

[Adam  and  Eve  fleeing  from  Eden,  an  Angel 
ivith  flaming  szvord  bars  their  return.] 

[The  Chorus  sings.] 

Mankind  is  banished  from  Eden's  groves, 
To  night  of  sin  and  gloom  of  death. 
To  the  Tree  of  Life  is  barr'd,  the  way 
By  fiaming  sword  in  Cherub's  hand. 

Yet  from  afar,  from  Calvary's  height, 
Piercing  the  night  a  morning  glow, 

20 


C^c   lpa00fon   piap 


From  the  crosses  mildly  wafting 
Air  of  peace  throughout  the  world. 

God !  Thou  Merciful !  To  pardon  sinners 
Who  scornfully  have  outraged  Thy  command, 
Thou  gavest  to  die  Thine  only  begotten  Son, 
To  free  them  from  the  curse. 

SECOND    TABLEAU:      The   adoration   of 
the  Cross. 

[Children    clad   as   Angels  grouped  about   a 
cross  adoringly  regard  it.] 

[The  Chorus  kneeling,  sing:] 

Eternal !  hear  Thy  children's  stammering, 
For  a  child  can  only  stammer. 
They  who  at  the  sacrifice  assemble 
In  Holy  veneration  thee  beseech. 

Follow  now  at  the  side  of  the  Atoner, 

Until  His  rough  and  thorny  way 

He  hath  victorious  fought;  and  in  fierce  battle 

His  blood  for  us  hath  spilled. 

SCENE  I. 

The  Triumphal  Entry. 

[The  streets  of  Jerusalem.  Multitudes  of  peo- 
ple enter  singing.     In  their  midst  on  an  ass's 

21 


Cl)e   Pa00ion   piap 


colt,  calmly  our  Saznor  rides  amid  the  rejoicing 
of  the  people  who  throw  palms  and  garments 
before  Him.] 

[Chorus  sings. '\ 

Hail  to  Thee !  hail !    O  David's  Son ! 
Hail  to  Thee !   Hail !  the  Father's  throne 

Belongs  to  Thee. 
Who  cometh  in  the  Highest's  Name, 
Whom  Israel  outward  throngs  to  meet, 

Thee  we  adore ! 

Hosanna!  He  who  in  Heaven  dwells 
All   gracious    favor  on   Thee   pour. 
Hosanna !  He  who  doth  reign  above, 
Keep  Thee  for  us  for  evermore, 
Hail   to   Thee,    etc. 

Blessed  be  He,   Who  now   restores 
Our  Father  David's  line  and  realm 
Ye  people,  bless,  praise,  and  exalt 
The  Son,   His   Father's   image  true. 
Hail  to  Thee,  etc. 

Hosanna  to  our  royal  Son! 
Resound   afar  on   every  breeze ! 
Hosanna!     On  the  Father's  throne 
Let  Him  in  glory  rule  for  aye. 
Hail  to  thee,  etc. 


22 


Clje   pa$sfon   piap 


SCENE  11. 

Casting  Out  the  Money  Changers. 

[Christ,  the  Apostles,  People,  Priests  and 
Traders  in  the  Temple.] 

Christ. 
What  see  I  here?  Shall  my  Father's  House 
be  thus  dishonored?  Is  this  God's  House,  or  is 
it  a  market  place?  Shall  strangers  who  come 
from  heathen  lands  to  worship  God,  perform 
their  devotions  amid  this  crowd  of  usurers? 
And  ye  Priests,  guardians  of  the  sanctuary,  ye 
behold  the  iniquity  and  suffer  it!  Woe  unto 
you !  He  who  searcheth  hearts  knows  why  ye 
permit  this  trespass. 

Traders. 
Who  can  this  be? 

People. 
It  is  the  great  Prophet  from  Nazareth  of  Gal- 
ilee. 

Christ. 
[To    the   traders.]      Depart,    ye    servants   of 
Mammon !     I  command  it.    Take  what  is  yours 
and  leave  this  Holy  Place. 

Ephraim. 
\One  of  the  traders.]    Come  let  us  go,  that 
his  anger  does  not  destroy  us. 

23 


Ctie   pa0sion   piap 


Priests. 
Why  troublest  thou  these  people?     All  this 
is  for  sacrifice.     How  canst  thou  forbid  what 
the  High   Council   permits? 

Traders. 
Is  one  to  sacrifice  no  more? 

Christ. 
Outside  the  temple  is  room  sufficient  for  your 
business.  It  is  written,  "My  house  shall  be 
called  a  house  of  prayer,"  but  ye  have  made 
it  a  den  of  thieves.  [Overthrows  the  tables.] 
Take  all  these  hence. 

Rabbi. 
This  must  not  be.    That  thou  darest  not. 

Traders. 
My  money,  Oh,  my  money!    My  doves!  [the 
doves  escape.]     Who  will  make  good  these  dam- 
ages? 

Christ. 
[With  a  scourge  of  cords.]  Go  hence!    I  will 
that  this  Holy  place  be  given  back  to  the  wor- 
ship of  My  Father! 

Priests. 
What  sign  showest  thou  that  thou  hast  the 
power  to  do  these  things? 

Christ. 
Ye  seek  after  signs.    Yea,  a  sign  shall  be  giv- 
en unto  you.     Destroy  this  temple  and  in  three 
days  I  will  raise  it  again. 

Priest. 
What  boastful  words !     Six  and  forty  years 

24 


Cf)e   pas0ion    piag 


was  this  temple  building  and  wilt  thou  raise  it 
up  in  three  days? 

People. 

Blessed  be  He  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord ! 

Priests. 

Hearest  thou  what  these  say?  Rebuke  thy 
Disciples. 

Christ. 

I  say  unto  you,  If  these  should  hold  their 
peace,  the  very  stones  would  cry  out. 

Children. 

Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David ! 
Pharisees. 

Be  silent,  ye  simple  ones. 
Christ. 

Have  ye  never  read,  "Out  of  the  mouths  of 
babes  and  sucklings  He  hath  perfected  praise? 
The  things  that  are  hidden  from  the  proud  are 
revealed  unto  babes."  And  the  Scripture  must 
be  fulfilled !  "The  stone  which  the  builders  re- 
jected is  become  the  head  of  the  corner."  The 
Kingdom  of  God  shall  be  taken  from  you  and 
shall  be  given  unto  a  people  that  shall  bring 
forth  fruits  thereof.  But  that  stone,  "Whoso- 
ever shall  fall  upon  it  shall  be  broken,  but  on 
whomsoever  it  shall  fall,  it  shall  grind  him  to 
powder."  [To  his  Disciples.]  Come,  I  have 
done  as  the  Father  commanded.  I  have  vindi- 
cated the  Honor  of  Plis  house.  Darkness  re- 
mains Darkness,   but   in  many  hearts  the   day 

25 


Cbe   pa0$ion   piap 


will  soon  shine.     Let  us  go  into  the  Sanctuary 
and  pray  to  the  Father.     [Exit.] 

People. 
Praise  to  the  anointed ! 

Priests. 
Be    silent,    ye    worthless    ones! 

Pharisees. 
Ye  shall  all  fall  with  him. 

People. 
Blest  be  the  Kingdom  of  David,  which  again 
appears ! 

SCENE  III. 

Priests  and  People. 

Nathaniel. 
Whosoever  holds  with  our  Fathers  Abraham, 
Isaac  and  Jacob,  be  on  our  side !     Let  the  curse 
of  IMoses  rest  on  the  others. 

Rabbi. 
He  is  a  deceiver!     An  enemy  of  Moses,  an 
enemy  of  the  Holy  Law. 

People. 
[Mockingly.]   Why  have  ye  not  seized  him? 
Is  he  not  a  prophet? 

Priests. 
He  is  a  false  teacher,  an   enemy  of   Moses, 
an  enemy  of  our  Father's  Holy  Law.   Out  with 
the  prophets. 

Nathaniel. 
O !  thou  blind  people !  Wilt  thou  follow  a  new 

26 


Cf)c    pa$0ion    piap 


leader  and  forsake  Moses,  the  Prophets  and  thy 
Priests  ?  Fearest  thou  not  the  curse  which  falls 
upon  deserters?  Will  ye  cease  to  be  the  chosen 
people  ? 

People. 
That  we  will  not.     Be  that  far  from  us. 

Nathaniel. 
Who  lias  the  watch  over  purity  of  teaching, 
is   it   not   the   Holy    Sanhedrin?      Who   will   ye 
hear,  us  or  Him  who  gives  Himself  out  as  the 
proclaimer  of  new   teachings  ? 

People. 
We  will  hear  you — we  will   follow  you ! 

Zadok, 
The  God  of  your  Fathers  will  bless  you  for  it. 

Nathaniel. 
These  people  full  of  deceit  and  error  will  fall. 

People. 
We  will   stay  by  you.     We  are  Moses'  dis- 
ciples. 


SCENE  IV. 

[Enter    the    Traders    with    their    chief,    Da- 
than,  making  a  tumult. \ 

Traders. 
This  fellow  must  not  remain  unpunished.    Re- 
venge.    His  insolence  shall  cost  him  dear.    Mon- 
ey,  oil.    salt,    doves — ^He   must   make    all    good. 
Where  is  he?    He  shall  feel  our  vengeance. 

■27 


Ctje   passion   piap 


Priests. 
He   has    gone. 

Traders. 
We  will  go  after  him. 

Nathaniel. 

Stay,  friends !     The  following  of  this  Man  is 

still  too  great ;  a  dangerous  fight  might  result, 

which   the   sword    of  the     Romans   would   end. 

Trust  us;   He  shall  not  escape  His  punishment. 

Priests. 
With  us  and  for  us,  that  is  your  salvation. 

All. 
Our  victory  is  near! 

Nathaniel. 
We  are  now  going  hence  to  inform  the  San- 
hedrin  of  today's  events. 

Traders. 
We  go  with  you.     We  must  have  satisfaction. 

Nathaniel. 
Come  to  the  Court  of  the  High  Priests  in  an 
hour.     I   will  carry  your  complaint  before  the 
Council  and  plead  for  you.     When  it  is  time  I 
will  call  you. 

Traders  and  People. 
[Leaanng.]      We    have    Moses.      Down    with 
all  others.    For  Moses'   teaching  we    will   die. 
Praise   our    fathers.      Praise    the   God    of   our 
fathers. 


28 


C&e   passion   piap 


ACT  II. 

The  Sanhedrin. 

Prologue. 

[The  chorus  enters  from  either  side.  The 
Choragiis,  after  dtvelling  on  the  envy  which 
moves  the  Pharisees  to  conspire  against  our 
Lord,  exhorts  the  spectators  to  give  their  hearts 
in  thankfidness  and  attention  to  the  drama.] 

Choragus. 
Greeting   to   all   here   united   in   love, 
Gathered  to  follow  in  anguish  their  Savior 

On  His  pathway  of  sorrow 

To  His  rest  in  the  grave. 

Those  from  far  and  from  near  together  assem- 
bled 
Feel  themselves  as  but  one  in  brotherly  love. 

As  disciples  of  one 

Who  has   suffered   for  all. 

Who  gave  Himself  for  us  with  pity  unfailing, 
In  bitterest  death.    To  Him  let  us  turn 

Our  eyes  and  our  hearts 

In  sincere  gratitude. 

29 


Clje  pa00fott  piap 


See !    Already  approaches  Him  sorrow's  full  cup. 
For  bitter  hate  and  the  envious  serpent-brood 

With  greed  hath  forsworn 

Themselves,  Him  to  destroy. 

That  which  impelled  Joseph's  brethern  to  mur- 
der 
Spurring  them  on  in  compact  with  each  other, 

In    wild   rage  of  passion 

To  the  death  of  their  brother. 

We  now  see  also  arousing  the  Council 

To  unholy  wrath  that  they  may  destroy  Him — 

The  Proclaimer  of  Truth — 

From  the  ranks  of  the  living. 

(Now  they  are  gone — leagued  for  the  crime, 
What  they  hid  in  their  hearts  their  mouths  hath 
proclaimed. 
Themselves  the  mask  have  torn  away, 
By  gnawing  conscience  scourged. 

Chorus. 
"Up ;  let  us  plan  vengeance !"  wildly  they  cry ; 
"The  long  determined  work  begin." 

THIRD  TABLEAU:  Joseph  cast  into  the 
pit  by  his  brethren. 

[Joseph  is  the  foreshadozver  of  Christ.  He 
like  Jesus,  is  the  beloved  son  of  his  father,  like 
Him  he  was  sent  to  his  brethren.] 

30 


Clie  pa00fon   pia? 


Chorus. 
Open.   O   lord,   the   sacred   shrine, 
Old  times  paint  us  the  evil  plan ; 
How  Jacob's  sons   'gainst  Joseph  did  conspire. 

So  shall  ye  hear  this  viper  brood 
Full  soon  for  Jesus's  death  and  blood 
With   raging  vengeance  cry. 

Tenor  Soloist. 
"See   yonder    comes    the    dreamer 
"He  wills,"  unshamed  they  cry, 
"To   rule   us   as  a  king. 

But  away  with  this  fanatic!" 
"Ha !  within  the  cistern  yonder 
He  may  his  plan  unfold." 

Bass  Soloist. 
Thus  for  the  Just  One's  blood 
Thirsteth  that  viper  brood. 
"He,"  they  clamor,  "is   our  foe," 
All  our  honor's  now  lay  low. 
None  upon  our  ways  will  follow 
After  Him  the  people  go. 

Duet. 
Come,  come,  Him  let  us  slay ! 
Save  Him  no  one  can  or  may. 
Let  us  keep  our  purpose  steadfast, 
He  must  perish  now-away. 

31 


Cte   passion   piap 


Chorus. 
O  God,  destroy  this  evil  band, 
Who  against  Thee  now  rise  up; 
And  the  murd'rous  league,  in  scorn 
Of  Thine  only  Son,  swear  faith. 

Let  almighty  thunders  peal. 
Let  Thy  rigliteous   lightning  burn. 
That  they  feel  Thine  Anger's  strength: 
Strike  them  downward  into  dust ! 

Soloist. 
No!  never  came  He  to  destroy. 
From  the  Father's  Majesty, 
Sinners  shall  through  Him  inherit 
Pardon,  grace  and  blessedness. 

Chorus. 
Humbly  then  we  here  adore 
The  great  plan  of  Thy  dear  love. 
We,  Thy  children,  O  our  God! 


ACT  IL 

FIRST  SCENE. 

[The  Members  of  the  Sanhedrin.] 

Caiaphas. 
Venerable    Brothers,    Fathers,    and    Teachers 
of  the  People!    An  extraordinary  occurrence  is 

32 


€l)t   pag0ion   piap 


the  extraordinary  occasion  of  to-day's  consulta- 
tion. Hear  it  out  of  the  mouth  of  our  worthy 
brother. 

Nathaniel. 

Is  it  permitted,  Oh  Fathers,  to  say  a  word? 

All. 

lYes,  yes,  speak. 

Nathaniel. 

Marvel  not,  O  Fathers,  that  at  so  late  an  hour 
ye  are  called  together  for  action.  It  is  only 
too  well  known  to  you,  that  we  have,  to  our 
shame,  been  forced  to-day  to  behold  with  our 
own  eyes.  Ye  have  seen  the  triumphal  proces- 
sion of  the  Galilean  through  the  Holy  City.  Ye 
have  heard  the  Hosanna  of  the  befooled  popu- 
lace. Ye  have  heard  how  this  proud  one  has 
arrogated  to  Himself  High  Priestly  dignity. 
What  yet  is  wanting  for  the  destruction  of  all 
civil  and  ecclesiastical  order?  Yet  a  few  steps 
further,  and  the  holy  law  of  Moses  is  destroyed 
through  the  innovations  of  this  teacher  of  error. 
The  sayings  of  our  Fathers  are  despised,  fasts 
and  purifying  done  away  with,  the  Sabbath  des- 
ecrated, the  Priests  of  God  despoiled  of  their 
office,  the  holy  sacrifices  at  an  end. 

All. 

Yea,  verily,  it  is  true. 

Caiaphas. 

And  yet  more.  Encouraged  by  Plis  followers, 
He  will  give  Himself  out  as  King  of  Israel ;  then 
will  there  be  division  in  the  land  and  rebellion 
against  the  Romans,  and  these  will  not  delay  to 

33 


C6e   passion   piag 


destroy  both  land  and  people.  Woe  to  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  to  the  Holy  City,  to  the  Tem- 
ple of  the  Lord,  if  the  evil  be  not  exterminated 
while  there  is  time.  The  responsibility  lies  upon 
us ;  even  to-day  a  resolution  must  be  taken,  and 
what  is  resolved  upon  must  be  carried  out  with- 
out hesitation  or  looking  back.  Will  ye  put 
your  heinds  to  this  work? 

All. 

Yes,  that  we  will. 

First  Priest. 

A  stop  must  be  put  to  the  doings  of  the  Se- 
ducer. 

Second  Priest. 

We  ourselves  are  partakers  in  the  guilt  in  that 
it  has  gone  so  far.  Against  this  overwhelming 
destruction  too  mild  measures  were  used.  What 
have  our  disputings  with  Him  availed?  What 
fruit  has  there  been  from  our  putting  Him  in  a 
dilemma  by  questions?  What  has  even  been 
done  by  the  excommunication  pronounced  upon 
any  one  who  should  acknowledge  Him  as  Mes- 
sias?  If  there  is  to  be  peace  we  must  make 
sure  of  His  person  and  put  Him  in  prison. 

All. 

Yea,  that  must  be  done. 

Third  Priest. 

If  He  is  once  in  prison  the  credulous  people 
will  be  no  longer  fascinated  by  the  attraction  of 
His  presence  and  the  magic  of  His  words ;  and  if 
they  have  no  longer  any  wonder  to  gape  at,  all 
will  soon  be  forgotten. 

34 


Cfte    pa$0ion    piap 


Fourth  Priest. 
In  the  darkness  of  the  dungeon  He  can  let 
His  light  shine,  and  announce  Himself  as  Mes- 
sias  to  the  prison  walls. 

First  Pharisee. 
Long  enough  has  He  led  the  people  astray, 
and  branded  as  hypocrisy  the  strict  virtue  of  the 
holy  order  of  the  Pharisees.     Let  Him  expiate 
His  misdeeds  in  bonds! 

Second  Pharisee. 
It  will  cool  the  fanaticism  of  His  followers, 
if  He  who  promised  them  freedom  Himself  lies 
bound. 

Annas. 
Now,  venerable  priests,  a  ray  of  comfort  and 
joy  once  more  warms  my  heart,  since  I  see  your 
unanimous  resolution.  Alas,  an  unspeakable 
sorrow  weighed  upon  my  soul  at  the  sight  of 
the  onward  course  of  the  wrong  teaching  of  this 
Galilean.  Have  I,  a  miserable  old  man,  only 
lived  so  long,  in  order  to  behold  the  overthrow 
of  the  sacred  law?  But  now  I  will  not  lose 
courage.  The  God  of  our  fathers  still  lives  and 
is  with  us.  If  ye,  fathers  of  the  people,  quit 
yourselves  like  men,  salvation  is  nigh.  Have 
courage  to  be  the  saviours  of  Israel. 

All. 
We  are  of  one  mind. 

Priests. 
Israel  must  be  saved. 

Caiaphas. 
Honor  to  your  unanimous  resolution^  worthy 

35 


C6e   pa00ion   piap 


brethren.  But  now  assist  me  with  your  wise 
counsels  as  to  the  surest  way  of  getting  this  De- 
ceiver into  our  power. 

First  Pharisee. 

To  take  him  now,  on  the  feast  day,  would  be 
too  dangerous.  In  the  streets  and  in  the  Tem- 
ple, everywhere,  He  is  surrounded  by  a  troop 
of  insensate  followers. 

Priests. 

And  yet  it  must  be  done  at  once;  the  matter 
allows  of  no  delay.  Perchance  during  the  time 
of  the  feast  he  might  raise  an  insurrection,  and 
then  it  might  happen  that  we  should  take  the 
place  which  we  have  arranged  for  him. 
Other  Priests. 

No  delay ! 

Second  Pharisee. 

We  cannot  now  set  to  work  altogether  with 
open  force ;  we  must  overcome  him  quietly  with 
guile.  We  must  find  out  where  he  commonly 
spends  the  night,  and  thus  he  could  be  surprised 
and  brought  into  safe  keeping  without  wit- 
nesses. 

Nathaniel. 

People  could  soon  be  found  to  track  the  fox 
to  his  hole,  if  it  pleased  the  Council  to  offer 
a  suitable  reward. 

Caiaphas. 

If  ye,  assembled  fathers,  think  it  good,  I  will, 
in  the  name  of  the  Council,  give  the  order  that 
any  one  who  knows  his  nightly  resort  should  in- 

36 


C6e   pa00ion   pia^ 


form  us  of  the  same,  and  also  a  reward  should 
be   secured   to  the  informant. 

All. 
We  agree  entirely. 

Nathaniel. 
Doubtless  those  men  could  serve  us  as  in- 
formers whom  the  Galilean  to-day,  in  the  sight 
of  all  the  people,  has  deeply  injured.  Before 
this  they  w'ere  jealous  adherents  of  the  law,  and 
now  they  are  thirsting  for  revenge  against  Him 
who  has  made  such  an  unheard-of  attack  upon 
their  privileges. 

Caiaphas. 
Where  are  the  traders  to  be  found  ? 

Nathaniel. 
They  are  ready  in  the  outer  court.     I  have 
persuaded   them   to  be   the   defenders  of  their 
rights  before  the  holy  Sanhedrin,  and  they  await 
your  orders. 

Caiaphas. 
Worthy  priest,  announce    to    them  that  the 
Council  is  inclined  to  take  up  their  grievance, 
and  bring  them  in.     [Exit  Nathaniel.] 


SCENE  II. 

Caiaphas. 
The  God  of  our  fathers  has  not  yet  with- 
drawn His  hand  from  us.     Moses  yet  watches 
over  us.     If  we  succeed  in  gathering  around  us 

Z7 


C6e   passion   piap 


a  knot  of  men  of  the  people  I  shall  no  longer 
fear.  Friends  and  brethren,  let  us  be  of  good 
courage.  Our  fathers  look  down  upon  us  from 
Abraham's  bosom. 

Priests. 
God  bless  our  High  Priest, 


SCENE  III. 

Nathaniel. 
High  Priests  and  chosen  Teachers.  These 
men,  worthy  of  our  blessing,  appear  before  this 
assembly,  in  order  to  bring  a  complaint  against 
the  well-known  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  who  to-day 
in  the  Temple  in  an  unheard-of  manner  has 
troubled  them  and  caused  them  loss. 

Traders. 
We  beseech  the  Council  to  procure  us  satis- 
faction.   The  Council  must  protect  our  righteous 
demand. 

Priests  and  Pharisees. 
Ye  shall  have  satisfaction.     We  will  be  your 
sureties  for  that. 

Traders. 
Has  not  the  Council  given  us  leave  to  set  out 
openly  in  the  court  all  that  is  necessary  for  sac- 
rifice ? 

Priests. 
Yes,  that  we  have  permitted ;  woe  to  Him  who 
disturbs  you  in  this  your  right. 

38 


Cfte   pa00ion   piap 


Traders. 
And  the  Galilean   has  driven  us  out  with  a 
scourge.     And  the  tables  of  the  money-changers 
has  He  overthrown,  and  emptied  the  dovecotes. 
We  demand  satisfaction. 

Caiaphas. 
That  ye  shall  have  satisfaction  the  law  de- 
crees. Your  loss  shall  meanwhile  be  made  good 
to  you  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  Temple.  But 
that  the  culprit  Himself  should  be  punished,  for 
this  we  need  your  co-operation.  What  can  we 
do  to  Him  so  long  as  He  is  not  in  our  power? 

Traders. 
He  goes  daily  into  the  Temple;  there  He  can 
easily  be  taken  prisoner  and  led  away. 

Caiaphas. 
That  will  not  do.     Ye  know  that  He  has  a 
crowd  of  excited  followers,  and  therefore  a  dan- 
gerous  uproar   might  take   place.      It  must  be 
done  quietly. 

Traders. 
It  would  be  best  done  in  the  night. 

Caiaphas. 
If  ye  find  out  whither  He  withdraws  Himself 
at  night  He  will  soon  be  in  our  hands  without 
any  tumult.    Then  ye  will  not  only  have  the  joy 
of  seeing  Him  chastised,  but  also  a  considerable 
recompense   will   be    awarded   to   you. 
Nathaniel. 
Ye  will  also  gain  merit  concerning  the  law  of 
Moses. 


39 


Cfte   pa00io«   piap 


Traders. 
On  our  part  there  shall  be  no  failure.    We  will 
shun  no  trouble. 

Chief  Trader. 
I  know  one  of  His  followers  through  whom  I 
can  easily  accomplish  something  if  I  can  offer 
him  an  adequate  reward. 

Caiaphas. 
If  thou  findest  out  such  a  one,  make  all  prom- 
ises to  him  in  our  name.     Only  delay  not  in  or- 
der that  we  may  accomplish  our  end  before  the 
feast. 

Annas. 
And  observe  strictest  silence. 

Traders. 
We  swear  it. 

^  Caiaphas. 

If,  however,  good  fellows,  ye  wish  that  the 
longing  for  vengeance  should  be  fully  satisfied, 
take  also  every  possible  trouble  to  kindle  in 
many  others  the  holy  zeal  which  burns  in  you. 

Traders. 
Since  that  occurrence  we  have  made  use  of 
every  moment  for  this  purpose,  and  many  are 
already  on  our  side.    We  will  not  rest  till  all  the 
people  rise  against  Him. 

Annas. 
By  these  means  ye  will  lay  the  Council  under 
an  obligation  of  greatest  gratitude. 

Caiaphas. 
Ye  will  then  be  openly  honored  by  the  people, 

40 


Ci)e   pa00ion   piap 


as  ye   have   been   openly   put   to   shame   before 
them. 

Traders. 
Our  lives  for  the  law  of  Moses  and  the  holy 
Sanheclrin ! 

Caiaphas. 
The  God  of  Abraham  guide  you. 

Traders. 
Long  live  Moses !     Long  live  the  priests  and 
the  holy  Sanhedrin !     Even  to-day  may  the  Gali- 
lean have  played  out  His  part.     [Exit.] 

SCENE  IV. 

Caiaphas. 
As  though  strengthened  by  a  sweet  sleep  I 
live  once  more.  With  such  men  all  can  be  car- 
ried through.  Now  we  shall  see  who  will  con- 
quer: He,  with  His  followers,  to  whom  He  un- 
ceasingly preaches  love — a  love  which  is  to  in- 
clude even  publicans  and  sinners ;  yea  and  the 
heathen  also,  or  we,  with  this  troop,  animated  by 
hatred  and  revenge,  which  we  send  against  Him. 

Annas. 
May  the  God  of  our  fathers  grant  us  victory. 
How  then  will  joy  in  my  old  age  renew  my 
youth. 

Caiaphas. 
Let  us  break  up.     Praised  be  our  fathers. 

All. 
Praised  be  the  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac  and 
of  Jacob. 

41 


Cbe   pa0gion   piap 


ACT  III. 

The  Parting  at  Bethany. 

[The  Choragus  explains  the  relation  of  the  tnH) 
tableaux  to  the  leave-taking  of  Christ,  mho  zvith 
clear  gase  pierces  the  veil  of  the  future,  and  sees 
the  gathering  storm,  which  threatens.  While 
still  amongst  His  ozvn  He  speaks  zvords  to  His 
beloved  friends  concerning  separation — zvords, 
alas,  which  most  bitterly  zvoiind  His  Mothers 
soul.  See  with  zvhat  deep  trouble  the  mother  of 
Tobias  gazes  after  her  departing  son,  and  pours 
out  her  grief  in  streaming  tears.  Thus  also  Mary 
laments  her  Beloved  Sou,  zvho  departs,  deter- 
mined to  efface  the  sins  of  mankind  through 
love's  expiatory  death.  "The  Bridegroom  has 
disappeared."  Hozv  she  calls  and  seeks  and  gives 
herself  no  rest  till  she  finds  Him.  Calmer^  is  the 
anguish  in  Mary's  soul;  as  a  szvord  piercing  her 
whole  heart,  yet  softened  through  the  pious  res- 
ignation of  trust  in  God.] 

Chorus. 
Ah,  they  come,  the  parting  hours. 
Deepest  wounds  they  now  inflict, 

Mary,  on  tli^  heart. 
Ah,  thy  Son  must  leave  thee  now 
42 


tli:f)c   pa00ion   piap 


On  the  cross  to  faint  and  die. 
Who  can  weigh  that  Mother's  woe? 

FOURTH  TABLEAU:     The    Departure    of 
Tobias  from  His  home.    [From  the  Apocrypha.] 

Chorus. 
What  a  bitter  grief,  O  friends, 
Agonized  the  mother's   heart, 
As   Tobias  at  his   father's   best 
Led  by  hand  of  Raphael 
Hastened  to  a  foreign  land. 

With  a  thousand  woes  and  sighs. 
Calls  she  after  her  beloved. 
"Come,  oh,  come,  and  tarry  not, 
Light  and  comfort  of  my  heart, 
Soon  return  with  joy  again. 

Ah,  Tobias,  dearest  one, 
Haste  thee  back  unto  mine  arms. 
Dearest  son,  in  thee  alone. 
Can  my  heart  contented  be, 
Rejoiced  in  perfect  happiness." 

Comfortless  it  now  laments, 
Never  of  existence  glad, 
Till  a  precious,  blissful  moment 
To  his  mother's  breast  once  more 
Back  shall  bring  her  son  beloved. 


43 


Cbe   passion   piap 


FIFTH  TABLEAU :  Mourning  with  the  Be- 
reaved Bride. 

[From  Solomon's  Song.] 

Chorus. 
Where  is  He  gone,  where  is  He  gone? 
Fairest  of  the  sons  of  men, 
Ah,  mine  eyes  run  o'er  with  tears — 
Tears  of  tender  love  for  Him. 

O  come  again  !     O  come  again ! 
See  these  ever-flowing  tears; 
Why,  Beloved?     Dost  still  delay 
To  ch   ->  me  to  Thy  heart  again  ? 

M^iie'eyes  are  roammg  over  all, 
They  seek  for  Thee  in  every  place, 
And  with  the  sun's  first  rays  of  light 
My  heart  doth  haste  to  meet  Thy  steps. 

Ah.  what  feel  I,  my  own  Beloved, 
With  what  anguish  breaks  my  heart! 

Chorus  of  Daughter  of  Jerusalem. 
Beloved   friend   be  comforted 
Thy  friend  to  thee  shall  come  again. 

Then  wait,  dear  friend,  He  soon  will  come 
And  clasp  thee  to  His  heart  again — 
When  no  cloud  will  ever  darken 
The  joy  of  His  return. 

44 


Cfte   passion   piap 


Both  Choruses. 
O   come  unto  mine  arms  again, 
And  clasp  me  to  Thy  heart  once  more, 
And  no  cloud  will  ever  darken 
The  joy  of  Thy  return. 


SCENE  I. 
Christ  and  the  Twelve  Disciples. 

Christ. 
Ye  know,  beloved  disciples,  that  after  two 
days  is  the  feast  of  the  Passover.  Let  us  take 
our  last  rest  with  our  friends  at  BC.hany,  and 
go  up  to  Jerusalem,  where  in  these  day  ''11  will 
be  fulfilled  which  is  written  in  the  Prophet  con- 
cerning the  Son  of  Man. 

Philip. 
Has  the  day  then  come  at  last  when  thou  wilt 
restore  again  the  kingdom  to  Israel? 

Christ. 
The  Son  of  Man  shall  he  delivered  up  to  the 
Gentiles,  and  shall  be  mocked  and  spit  upon,  and 
they   shall  crucify   Him,  but  on  the  third  day 
He  shall  rise  again. 

John. 
Master,  what  dark,    fearful    words   speakest 
Thou?     How  shall  these  things  come  to  pass? 
Tell  us  plainly. 

Christ. 
The  hour  is  come  when  the  Son  of  Man  shall 

45 


C!)e   pagsion    piap 


be  glorified.  \'erily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  ex- 
cept a  corn  of  wheat  fall  into  the  ground  and 
die,  it  abideth  alone :  but  if  it  die,  it  bringeth 
forth  much  fruit.  Now  is  the  judgment  of  this 
world :  now  shall  the  prince  of  this  world  be 
cast  out.  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth 
will  draw  all  men  unto  Me. 
Thaddaeus. 
What  meaneth  He  by  these  words? 

Simon. 
Wherefore  doth  He  liken  Himself  to  a  corn  of 
wheat  ? 

Andrew. 
Lord,  thou  speakest  at  once  of  shame  and  of 
victory.     I  know  not  how  to  reconcile  these  in 
my  thoughts. 

Christ. 
That  which  is  dark  as  night  to  you  will  be- 
come clear  as  day.  I  have  told  you  before  that 
ye  may  not  lose  courage  whatever  may  happen. 
Believe  and  hope.  When  the  tribulation  is  over 
then  shall  ye  see  and  understand. 

Thomas. 
I  cannot  consent  to  that  which  thou  speakest, 
of  suffering  and  of  death.     What  can  Thine  en- 
emies do  to  Thee?    One  single  word  from  Thee 
will  grind  them  to  powder. 

Christ. 
Thomas,    adore    the    secret    counsel    of    God 
which  thou  canst  not  fathom.    Yet  a  little  while 
is  the  light  with  you.     Walk  while  ye  have  the 
light,  lest  darkness  come  upon  you. 

46 


Cfje    passion    piap 


SCENE  II. 

Enter  Simon,    Lazarus,    Martha   and  Mary 
Magdalene. 

Simon. 
Dearest  Master,    I   greet  Thee. 

Christ. 
Simon,  for  the  last  time  I,  with  My  disciples, 
claim  thy  hospitality. 

Simon. 
Not  so.  Lord.     Often  again  shall  Bethany  se- 
cure to  Thee  a  short  repose. 

Christ. 
Lo,  Lazarus,  our  friend. 

Lazarus. 
[Embracing  hitn.]     My  Lord,  Conqueror  of 
Death,  Life  Giver. 

Magdalene. 
Rabboni. 

Martha. 
Hail,  Rabboni,  permit  me  to  welcome  Thee. 

Christ. 
The  blessing  of  God  be  upon  you. 

Martha. 
Grant  me,  O  Lord,  the  happiness  of  serving 
Thee. 

47 


\ 


C6e   passion   piap 


Magdalene. 
Wilt  Thou  also  not  despise  a  token  of  love 
from  me? 

Christ. 
Do  that  which  is  in  your  heart  to  do,  dear 
souls. 

Simon. 
Dearest  Master,  enter  under  my  roof  and  re- 
fresh Thyself  and  Thy  disciples. 


SCENE  III. 

The  Guest  Chamber  in  Simon's  House. 

Christ. 
Peace  be  to  this  house. 

Disciples. 
And  to  all  who  dwell  therein. 

Simon. 
Lord,  all  is  prepared. 

Christ. 
Let  us,  then,  beloved  disciples,  with  thankful- 
ness enjoy  the  gifts  which  the  Father  from 
Heaven  vouchsafes  us  through  His  servant 
Simon.  O  Jerusalem.  O  that  my  coming  were 
as  dear  to  thee  as  it  is  to  these,  my  friends.  But 
thou  art  stricken  with  blindness. 

Lazarus. 
Yea,  Lord  the  Pharisees  and  teachers  of  the 
law  watch  for  Thy  destruction. 

48 


Cije   passion   piap 


Simon. 
Tarry  here;  here  Thou  art  safe. 

Peter. 
Lord,  it  is  good  to  be  here.     Tarry  here  till 
the  storm  which  will  gather  has  broken. 

Christ. 
Get  thee  behind,  tempter.  Thou  savorest  not 
the  things  that  be  of  God,  but  those  that  be  of 
man.  Shall  the  reaper  tarry  in  the  shade  when 
the  fields  are  ripe  unto  harvest?  The  Son  of 
man  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto,  but  to  min- 
ister, and  to  give  His  life  a  ransom  for  many. 

Judas. 
But,  Lord,  what  will  become  of  us  when  Thou 
givest  up  Thy  life? 

An  Apostle. 
Alas,     all    our    hopes    have,    then,    come    to 
nothing. 

Christ. 
Calm  yourselves.     I  have  power  to  lay  down 
My  life,  and  I  have  power  to  take  it  up  again. 
This    commandment    have    I    received    of    My 
Father. 

Magdalene. 
[Advances  and  pours  ointment  upon  the  head 
of  Christ.]      Rabboni. 

Christ. 
Mary. 

Thomas. 
What  a  costly  odor. 

Bartholomew, 
It  is  costly  precious  ointment  of  spikenard. 

49 


Cl)e   pa00ion   piap 


Judas. 
To  what  purpose  is  this  waste?     The  cost  of 
it  might  have  been  better  laid  out. 

Thomas. 
To  me  also  it  seemeth  thus. 
[Magdalene    kneels   and    oints    the   feet    of 
Christ.] 

Judas. 
To  pour  away  such  a  costly  ointment.     What 
waste ! 

Christ. 
Friend  Judas,  look  me  in  the  face :  Waste  on 
Me,  on  thy   Master? 

Judas. 
I  know  that  Thou  lovest  not  useless  expenses. 
The  ointment  might  have  been  sold  and  the  poor 
thereby  supported. 

Christ. 
Judas,   lay  thy   hand   upon   thy   heart.     Is   it 
only   sympathy   for   the   poor   which    so  greatly 
moves  thee  ? 

Judas. 
Three  hundred  pence  at  least  could  have  been 
got  for  it.    What  a  loss  for  the  poor  and  for  us. 

Christ. 
The  poor  ye  have  always  with  you,  but  Me 
ye  have  not  always.  Let  her  alone,  she  hath 
wrought  a  good  work  on  Me,  for  in  that  she 
poured  this  ointment  on  Me,  she  did  it  for  My 
burial.  Verily  I  say  unto  you :  wheresoever 
this  Gospel  shall  be  preached  throughout  the 
whole  world  there  shall  also  that  which  she  hath 


50 


C!)e   pa0$ion   piap 


done  be  told  for  a  memorial  of  her.  [To 
SimoH.]  I  thank  thee,  thou  beneficent  one,  for 
thy  hospitahty.  The  Father  will  reward  thee 
for  it. 

Simon. 
Master,  speak  not  of  thanks.     I  know  what  I 
owe  to  Thee. 

Christ. 
It  is  time  to  go  hence.     Farewell  to  all,   O 
dwellers  in  this  hospitable  house.     Follow  Me, 
My  disciples. 

Peter. 
Lord,   wheresoever  Thou  wiliest,  only  not  to 
Jerusalem. 

Christ. 
I  g-o  whither  My  Father  calls  me.     Peter,  if  it 
please  thee  to  remain  here,  do  so. 

Peter. 
Lord,   where   thou   abidest,   there   also   will    I 
abide,  where  thou  goest,  there  also  will  I  go. 

Christ. 
Come,  then. 


SCENE  IV. 

Christ. 
[To   Magdalene  and  Martha.]    Tarry  here 
beloved.     Once  more,   farewell,  beloved,   peace- 
ful  Bethany.      Never   more   shall    I   tarry   amid 
thy  still  valleys. 

51 


Cf)e   passion   piap 


Simon. 
Master,  wilt  thou  then  indeed  depart  hence? 
Ah,  fearful  forebodings  oppress  me. 

Christ. 
Stand  up   Mary,   the  night  cometh,  and  the 
storms  of  winter  howl   around.     Yet  be  com- 
forted.     In   the   early   morning   in  the   spring- 
garden  thou  shalt  see  Me  again. 

Martha. 
Alas,  dost  thou  depart  and  never  more  return  ? 

Christ. 

The  Father  wills  it,  My  beloved  ones.    Where 

I  am  I  bear  you  in  My  heart,  and  where  ye  are 

there    will    My   blessing   follow  you.     Farewell. 

[As  he  goes,  Mary  enters  with  her  companions.] 


SCENE  V. 

Mary. 
Jesus,  most  dear  Son,  with  desire  have  I  has- 
tened to  Thee  with  my  friends  to  see  Thee  again 
before,  alas,  thou  goest  hence. 

Christ. 
Mother,  I  am  on  the  way  to  Jerusalem. 

Mary. 
To  Jerusalem.     There  is  the  Temple  of  Je- 
hovah,  whither  once  I  bore  thee  in  my  arms, 
to  offer  Thee  to  the  Lord. 

Christ. 
Mother,  now  has  the  hour  come  when  I,  ac- 
cording to  the  Father's  will,  shall  offer  Myself. 

52 


Cfje   pa00ian   piap 


I  am  ready  to  accomplish  the  sacrifice  which  the 
Father  requires  from  Me. 

Mary. 
Ah,  forebodings  tell  me  what  an  offering  this 
will  be. 

Magdalene. 
O,  how  greatly  have  we  longed  to  keep  back 
the  Master  with  us. 

Simon. 
His  resolve  is  steadfast. 

Christ. 
Mine  hour  has  come.    Now  is  My  soul  trou- 
bled, and  what   shall   I   say :   Father,   save  Me 
from  this  hour?   But  for  this  hour  came  I  into 
the  world. 

Mary. 
O  Simeon,  venerable  old  man,  now  will  that 
which  thou  didst  prophesy  to  me  be  fulfilled :  "A 
sword  shall  pierce  through  thine  own  soul." 

Christ. 
Mother,  the  Father's  will  was  ever  sacred  to 
thee  also. 

Mary. 
It  is  so  to  me.     I  am  the  hand  maid  of  the 
Lord.     Only   for  one   thing,   my   Son,   I   pray 
Thee. 

Christ. 
What  desirest  thou,  My  mother? 

Mary. 
That  I  may  die  with  Thee. 

John. 
What  love ! 


53 


Ci)e   pa00ion   piap 


Christ. 
Thou   wilt   suffer   with   Me.   beloved  Mother, 
thou  wilt  combat  with  Me,  and  then  also  rejoice 
with   Me  in   My   victory.     Therefore  be  com- 
forted. 

Mary. 

0  God,  give  me  strength. 

Holy  Women. 
Dearest  Mother,  we  weep  with  thee. 

Mary. 

1  go  then  with  Thee,  my  Son,  to  Jerusalem. 

Women. 
Dearest  Mother,  we  go  with  thee. 

Cpirist. 
Later  ye  may  go  thither ;  but  now  abide  with 
our  friends  at  Bethany.     I  commend  to  you,  O 
faithful   souls,  my  beloved  Mother,   with   those 
who  have  followed  her  thither. 
Magdalene. 
There  is  none  dearer  to  us  after  Thee  than 
Thy   Mother. 

Lazarus. 
If  Thou,  O  Master,  couldst  but  tarry. 

Christ. 
Comfort  ye  one  another.     But  after  two  days 
ye  may  together  take  your  way  to  Jerusalem  in 
order  to  be  there  upon  the  great  day  of  the  feast. 

Mary. 
As  thou  wiliest,  my  Son. 
Women. 
Alas,  how  sadly  will  the  hours   pass  by  far 
from  Thee. 

54 


Cfje   pa00ion   piap 


Christ. 
Mother,  Mother,  for  the  tender  love  and 
Motherly  care  which  thou  hast  shown  to  Me 
during  the  thirty-three  years  of  My  life  receive 
the  warmest  gratitude  of  thy  Son.  Thy  Fai.her 
calls  me.    Farewell  dearest,  dearest  Mother. 

Mary. 
My  Son,  when  shall  I  see  Thee  again? 

Christ. 
Dearest  Mother,  when  the  Scripture  shall  be 
fulfilled :     He  was  led  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaugh- 
ter, and  He  opened  not  His  mouth. 

All. 
What  affliction  is  before  us  all? 

Christ. 
Be  not  overcome  in  the  first  struggle.     Hold 
ye  still  in  Me. 


ACT  IV. 

Christ's  Last  Journey  to  Jerusalem. 

Prologue. 

People  of  God,  behold  thy  Redeemer  is  at 
hand.  The  lons^  promised  One  has  come.  O 
hear  Him.  Follozv  His  leading:;.  Life  and  bless- 
ing will  He  bring  thee,  yet  Jerusalem  shozvs  her- 
self deaf  and  blind,  and  puts  back  the  offered 
hand.     Therefore  the  Highest  turns  away  from 

55 


Cl^e   passion    piap 


her,  and  lets  her  sink  info  perdition.  The  pride 
of  Vashti  disdains  the  King's  banquet,  therefore 
the  King,  grievously  provoked,  banishes  her 
from  His  presence,  and  chooses  a  nobler  soul  as 
His  consort.  Thus  zvill  the  synagogue  be  cast 
out,  and  the  kingdom  of  God,  taken  from  it,  will 
be  given  to  other  nations,  which  shall  bring 
forth  the  fruits  of  righteousness. 

Choragus. 
Awake,  Jerusalem,  awake. 
And  know  what  yet  belongeth  to  thy  peace; 
But  shouldst  thou  waver — 'the  hour  of  venge- 
ance  strikes, 
Unhappy  one,  with  fearful  doom. 

Chorus. 
Jerusalem,   Jerusalem, 
Return  thee  to  thy  God, 
Scorn  not,  with  evil  mockery. 
The  warning  call  of  grace; 
Lest  on  thee,   unhappy  one, 
In  measure  full  one  day  be  poured 
The  wrath  of  God  most  High. 

But  she — alas,  the  prophet — murd'ress, 
With  evil  mind  doth  forward  rush. 
Therefore,  thus  saith  the  Lord, 
This  people  I  reject. 

SIXTH  TABLEAU:     Vashti    rejected    by 
Ahasuerus,  and  Esther  chosen  Queen. 

56 


Cije    passion    piap 


Chorus. 
See  Vashti — see  the  proud  one  is  cast  out, 
Figuring  Gods  purpose  for  the  Synagogue. 
"Remove  thee  now  from  off  my  throne, 
Proud  Queen,  deserving  not  the  crown," 

Ahasuerus  speaks  in  wrath. 
"Thine,  fairest  Esther,  thine  it  is 
This  day  beside  the  King  to  reign. 
Here  chosen   for  the   royal   throne." 
"The  time  of  grace  hath  pass'd  away; 
I  will  cast  out  this  nation  proud, 
Even  as  I  live,"  thus  saith  the  Lord. 
"A  better  people  I  will  choose — 
Espouse  to  ]\Ie  for  ever  more, 
As  Esther  Ahasuerus  chose." 

Jerusalem !  Jerusalem ! 
Ye  sinners !  hear  the  word  of  God. 
Even  still  would  ye  find  grace. 
Destroy  from  out  your  inmost  hearts 
The  leaven  of  your  sins. 


SCENE  I. 

Christ  and  the  Twelve  on  the  Way  to 
Jerusalem. 

John. 
Master,     behold     what    a     splendid     outlook 
towards  Jerusalem! 

57 


€:ije   pagsion   piap 


Matthew. 
And    tlie   majestic    Temple.     Wliat   a    stately 
building! 

Christ. 
Jerusalem !    Jerusalem  i     O   that   thou    hadst 
known  even  in  this  thy  day,  the  things  that  be- 
long unto   thy   peace !      But   now   they   are   hid 
from  thine  eyes.     [He  zsjeeps.] 

Peter. 
Master,  wherefore  grievest  thou  so  sorely? 

Christ. 
My  Peter !  the  fate  of  this  unhappy  city  goes 
to  My  heart. 

John. 
Master,  tell  us,  what  will  be  this  fate? 

Christ. 
The  days  will  come  when  her  enemies  shall 
make  a  trench  about  her  and  close  her  in  on 
every  side,  and  they  shall  lay  her  even  with  the 
ground,  and  her  children  in  her ;  and  they  shall 
not  leave   one  stone  upon   another. 

Andrew. 
Wherefore  shall  the  city  have  so  sad  a  fate  ? 

Christ. 
Because  she  hath  not  known  tlie  day  of  her 
visitation.     Alas !  the  murderers  of  the  Prophets 
will  kill  the  Messiah  Himself. 

All. 
What  a  fearful  deed ! 

James  the  Great. 
God  forbid  that  the  city  of  God  should  lay 
such  a  curse  upon  itself ! 

58 


CJ)C   passion   piap 


John. 
Master,  for  the  holy  city's  sake,  for  the  Tem- 
ple's sake.  I  pray  Thee  go  not  thither,  so  that 
the  opportunity  may  be  wanting  to  evil  men  to 
accomplish  the  worst. 

Peter. 
Or  go  thither  and  manifest  Thyself  to  them  in 
Thy  full  majesty,  that  the  good  may  rejoice  and 
the  evil  tremble. 

Philip. 
Strike  down  Thine  enemies ! 

All. 
And    set   up   the   kingdom  of    God   amongst 
men! 

Christ. 
Children,  what  ye  desire  will  come  to  pass  in 
its  time,  but  My  ways  are  appointed  unto  Me  be- 
fore My  Father,  and  thus  saith  the  Lord:    "My 
thoughts  are  not  your  thoughts,  neither  are  My 
ways  your  ways."    To-day  is  the  first  day  of  un- 
leavened  bread,   on    which   the   law    commands 
that  the  paschal  meal  shall  be  held.    Do  ye  both. 
Peter  and  John,  go  before,  and  prepare  us  the 
paschal  lamb,  that  we  may  eat  it  in  the  evening. 
Peter  and  John. 
Where  wilt  thou,  Lord,  that  we  should  pre- 
pare it? 

Christ. 
When  ye  shall  come  unto  the  city,  there  shall 
a  man  meet  you  bearing  a  pitcher  of  water ;  fol- 
low him  into  the  house  whither  he  goeth,  and 
say  to  the  master  of  the  house :  The  Master  saith 

59 


Clbe   pa00iott   piap 


unto  thee,  where  is  the  guest-chamber  where  I 
shall  eat  the  passover  with  My  disciples?  And 
he  will  show  you  a  large  upper  room,  furnished 
and  prepared ;  there  make  it  ready. 

Peter. 

Thy  blessing,  dearest  Master.  [Peter  and 
John  kneel.] 

Christ. 

God's  blessing  be  upon  you?  [Exit  the  two 
Apostles.] 

SCENE  II. 

Christ. 
And  ye,  follow  me  for  the  last  time  to  My 
Father's  house !    To-day  ye  still  go  thither  with 

Me.    To-morrow 

Judas. 

But,  Master,  let  me  say,  if  in  truth  Thou  wilt 

leave  us,  make  at  least  some  arrangement  for 

our  future  sustenance.     See  here  (he  shows  the 

bag),   this  is  not  sufficient   for  one  day  more. 

Christ. 
Judas,  be  not  more  careful  than  is  needful. 

Judas. 
How  well  might  the  worth  of  that  ointment 
be  therein  !     Three  hundred  pence  !     How  long 
we  might  have  lived  without  anxiety ! 

C  H  R I  ST 

Nothing  has  ever  been  WANTING  TO 
THEE,  AND,  believe  Me,  nothing  will  at  any 
time  be  wanting  to  thee. 

60 


Clie   pa00ion   pia^ 


Judas. 
Yet,  Master,  when  Thou  art  no  longer  with 
us  our  good  friends  will  soon  draw  back,  and 

then 

Christ. 
Friend  Judas,  see  to  it  that  the  tempter  over- 
take thee  not ! 

All. 
Judas,  trouble  not  then  the  Master  so  sorely. 

Judas. 
Who  will  take  thought  if  I  do  not!     Have  I 
not  been  appointed  by  the  Master  to  carry  the 
bag? 

Christ. 

That  thou  art,  but  I  fear 

Judas. 
I  also  fear  that  it  will  soon  be  empty,  and  will 
remain  so. 

Christ. 
Judas,  forget  not  my  warning!     Now  let  us 
go  on.      I    long  to  be   in   My   Father's   house. 
[Exit   zinth   the  Disciples.     Judas   remains  be- 
hind.] 

SCENE  III. 

Judas. 
[Alone.]  Wherefore  should  I  follow  Him.  I 
have  no  pleasure  therein.  The  Master's  behav- 
ior is  to  me  inexplicable.  His  great  works  give 
hope  that  He  will  again  raise  up  the  kingdom  of 
Israel.      But    He    seizes    not    the    opportunities 

6j 


Cbe   Pa00ion   pia^ 


which  offer  themselves,  and  now  He  speaks  of 
separation  and  death,  and  comforts  us  by  mys- 
terious words  about  a  dim  future.  I  am  weary 
of  beheving  and  of  hoping.  There  is  nothing  in 
prospect  with  Him,  except  approaching  poverty 
and  humihation,  and,  instead  of  the  expected 
participation  in  His  kingdom,  persecution,  per- 
chance, and  prison.  I  will  withdraw  myself. 
Happily  I  was  always  provident,  and  have  laid 
aside  a  little  here  and  there  out  of  the  bag,  on 
the  chance  of  distress.  If  that  fool  had  put  the 
worth  of  the  ointment  into  the  bag  now  when 
our  company  must  break  up,  the  three  hun- 
dred pence  would  remain  in  my  hands,  then  I 
should  be  secure  for  a  long  time.  Now,  how- 
ever, I  must  think  of  means  by  which  I  may  be 
able  to  make  some  profit. 


SCENE  IV. 

Judas  and  the  Trader  Dathan. 
Dathan. 
[Aside.]  Judas — the  occasion  is  favorable;  he 
is  alone  :  he  seems  much  perplexed.     I  must  use 
all  means  to  win  him.     Friend  Judas ! 

Judas. 
Who  caUs? 

Dathan. 
A   friend.      Has   something   sad   happened   to 
thee?    Thou  art  so  deep  in  thought. 

62 


C!)e   passion   piap 


Judas. 
Who  art  thou  ? 

Dathan. 
Thy  friend,  thy  brother. 

Judas. 
Thou? 

Dathan. 
At  least  I  wish  to  become  so.     How  is  it  with 
the  Master?    I  also  might  enter  His  Society. 

Judas. 
His   Society  ? 

Dathan. 
Hast  thou,  perchance,  left  Him?     Is  it  ill  with 
Him  ?     Tell  me,  that  I  niay  rule  myself  accord- 
ingly. 

Judas. 

If  thou  canst  be  silent 

Dathan. 
Be  assured  of  it. 

Judas. 
Things  no  longer  go  well  with  Him.     He  says 
it  himself,   that  His  last  hour  is  come.     I  will 
leave  Him.     I  have  charge  of  the  bag — look  and 
see  how   things  are  here. 

Dathan. 
Friend,  then  I  remain  as  I  am. 

SCENE  V. 

[Dathan's  companions  steal  in.] 

Judas. 
Who  are  these?     I  will  say  no  more! 

63 


^ht   paggion   piap 


Traders. 
Stay,  friends,  you  will  not  rue  it. 

Judas. 
Wherefore  have  ye  come  hither? 

Traders. 
We  desire  to  return  to  Jerusalem  and  bear 
thee  company,  if  it  please  thee. 

Judas. 
Will  ye,  perchance,  go  after  the  Master? 

Traders. 
Has  He  gone  to  Jerusalem? 

Judas. 
For  the  last  time,  as  He  says. 

Traders. 
Will  He  then  leave  Judaea? 

Judas. 
Why  ask  ye  so  eagerly?    Will  ye  become  His 
followers  ? 

Traders. 
Wherefore  not,  if  favorable  prospects  are  in 
that  quarter? 

Judas. 
I  see  nothing  of  that  sort.     He  ever  says  to 
us,  take  no  thought  for  the  morrow — ^but  if  to- 
day any  mischance  befall  Him,  there  we  are  all 
beggars.    Doth  a  master  care  thus  for  his  own? 

Traders. 
Truly  the  outlook  is  bad  enough. 

Judas. 
[Relates  the  story  of  the  ointment.] 

Traders. 
And  thou  canst  yet  be   friends   with   Him? 

64 


Cf)e   Passion   piap 


Thou  ouglitest  to  take  thought  for  thine  own 
future  were  it  only  now. 

Judas. 
I  am  thinking  of  it  even  now.     But  how  to 
find  a  good  livelihood  at  once? 

Dathan. 
Thou  needest  not  long  seek  that;  the  fairest 
opportunity  offers  itself. 

Judas. 
Where — how  ? 

Traders. 
Hast  thou  heard  nothing  of  the  proclamation 
of  the  High  Priests'  Council?    A  fairer  oppor- 
tunity thou  wilt  not  in  thy  whole  life  again  find. 

Judas. 
What  proclamation? 

Traders. 
Whosoever    informs    concerning    the    nightly 
resort  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth  will  receive  a  large 
reward. 

Judas. 
A  large  reward ! 

Traders. 
Who  can  deserve  it  easier  than  thou  ? 

Dathax. 
[Aside]  We  are  near  our  aim. 

Traders. 
Brother,  trifle  not  with  thy  fortune. 

Judas. 
[Aside]  A  fair  opportunity — shall  I  let  it  slip 
from  my  hands? 

65 


Cfte   passion   Plap 


Dathan. 
And   consider :   the   reward   is   not   all.     The 
Council  will  take  further  thought  for  thee.    Who 
knows  what  thou  mayest  become? 

Traders. 
Make  up  your  mind,  friend ! 

Judas. 
Well,  so  be  it ! 

Dathan. 
Come,  Judas,  we  will  bring  thee  at  once  to  the 
Council. 

Judas. 
Just  now  I  must  go  after  the  Master.  I  will 
first  get  the  information  in  order  to  act  more 
securely.  Report  me  beforehand  to  the  Council. 
In  three  hours  you  will  find  me  in  the  street  of 
the  Temple. 

Dathan". 

Brother,  one  word 

Judas. 
A  Man  !     [Exeunt  the  Traders.] 

SCENE  VI. 

Judas. 
[Alone.]  IMy  word  is  given.  I  shall  not  rue  it. 
Shall  I,  forsooth,  go  out  of  the  way  of  this  ap- 
proaching good  fortune?  Yes,  my  future  is 
made.  I  will  do  what  I  have  promised.  Let  me, 
however,  reckon  things  up  beforehand.  If  the 
Priests  succeed  in  taking  Him  prisoner,  then 
shall  I  have  brought  my  net  to  land,  and  shall 

66 


Cte   passion   piap 


besides  become  famous,  as  one  who  has  helped 
to  save  the  law  of  Moses.  But  if  the  Master 
conquers  .  .  .  then  wall  I  cast  myself  repent- 
ant at  His  feet.  He  is  indeed  good ;  never  have 
I  seen  Him  cast  a  penitent  away  from  Him.  He 
will  receive  me  again,  and  then  I  shall  have  the 
merit  of  having  brought  things  to  a  decision. 
Judas,  thou  art  a  prudent  man  .  .  .  yet  I 
am  afraid  to  come  before  the  Master.  I  shall 
not  be  able  to  bear  His  [)iercing  glance,  and  my 

companions  will  see  in  my  face  that  I  am  a 

No!  that  I  will  not  be.  I  am  no  traitor!  What 
am  I  doing  except  showing  tiie  Jews  where  the 
Master  is  to  be  found  ?  That  is  no  betrayal ; 
more  is  needed  for  that.  Away  with  these  fan- 
cies !    Courage,  Judas,  thy  livelihood  is  at  stake. 


ACT  V. 

The  Last  Supper. 
[Before  the  Divine  Friend,  constrained  by 
laze,  departs  to  His  Passion.  He  giz^es  Himself 
to  His  ozvn  as  Food  of  the  soul  during  their 
earthly  pilgrimage.  Ready  to  offer  Himself,  He 
consecrates  a  sacrificial  Banquet  zvhich,  through 
a  thousand  years  and  on-  to  the  close  of  time, 
shall  proclaim  His  loz'e  to  rescue  humanity. 
Once  zcith  manna  in  the  imlderness  the  Lord 
mercifully  satisfied  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
made  glad  their  hearts  zvith  clusters  of  grapes 

67 


€^bt   Pa00ion   piap 


from  Canaan.  But  a  better  Feast  front  Heaven, 
itself,  doth  Jesus  offer  us.  From  the  mystery 
of  His  Body  and  Blood  ftozv  grace  and  blessed- 
ness to  us.^ 

Chorus. 

The  hour  now  draweth  near, 
Fulfillment  now  begins 
Of  all  which  by  His  seers 
God  to  mankind  made  known. 

"In  this  folk,"  saith  the  Lord, 
"Have  I  no  pleasure  more, 
And  sacrifice  will  I 
No  more  from  them  receive. 

A  new  feast  I  establish," 
Thus  saith  the  Lord ;  "and  it  shall  be 
Throughout  the  world's  great  circle 
An  ofif'ring  of  this  covenant." 


SEVENTH  TABLEAU:  The  Manna  in  the 
Wilderness. 

Chorus. 
The  miracle  in  the  desert  Sin 
Points  to  the  second  covenant's  Feast. 

Good  is  the  Lord,  the  Lord  is  good ! 
He  satisfies  the  hungry  souls 

68 


Cije    pa00ion    pia? 


With  a  new  Food 
In  wondrous  wise. 

But  death  all  those  hath  swept  away, 
Who,  in  the  wilderness  of  Sin 
Did  eat  in   fullness  of  that  bread; 
The  second  covenant's  holy  Bread 
Spirit  and   soul   preserves   from  death 
When  worthily  enjoyed. 

EIGHTH  TABLEAU :  The  Grapes  Brought 
by  the  Spies  from  Canaan. 

Chorus. 
Good  is  the  Lord,  the  Lord  is  good! 
Once  hath  He  to  His  people, 
The  best  juice  of  the  vine 
Given  from  Canaan's  land. 

Yet  this,  the  growth  of  Nature 
For  needs  of  body  only, 
By  God's  will  was  designed 
The  second  cov'nant's  holy  wine 
\\'{\\  be  itself  the  Son's  own  blood — 
The  thirst  of  souls  to  quench. 

The  Lord  is  good,  the  Lord  is  good 
In  the  new  covenant  He  gives 
His  Mesh  and  Blood  at  that  high  Feast 
In  Salem's  upper  room, 

69 


C6e   pa00ion   piap 


SCENE  I. 

The    Upper     Chamber.       Christ     and    the 
Twelve  at  the  Table. 
Christ. 
With  desire  I  have  desired  to  eat  this  Pass- 
over with  you  before  I  suffer.     For  I  say  unto 
you,   I   will  not   any   more   eat   thereof   until   it 
be  fulfilled  in  the  kingdom  of  God.     Father.  I 
thank  Thee  for  this  fruit  of    the    vine.       \He 
drinks  and  gives  the  cup  to  the  Disciples.]    Take 
this  and  divide  it  among  yourselves ;  for  I  say 
unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  henceforth  of  the  fruit 
of  the  vine  until  the  kingdom  of  God  shall  come ! 

Apostles. 
Alas!  Lord,  is  this,  then,  the  last  Passover? 

Christ. 
There  is  a  cup  which  I   will  drink  with  you 
in  the  kingdom  of  God,  as  it  is  written:  Thou 
shalt   make    them   drink    of    the    river  of    Thy 
pleasures. 

Peter. 
Master,  when  this  kingdom  shall  appear,  how 
then  shall  the  place  be  portioned  out  ? 
James  the  Great. 
Which  of  us  shall  have  the  first  place? 

Christ. 
So  long  a  time  have  I  been  with  you,  and  ye 
are  yet  entangled  in  that  which  is  of  the  earth ! 
Verily  I  appoint  unto  you  which  have  continued 

70 


^fit   Ipassion    piap 


with  me  in  my  temptations  a  kingdom  as  My 
Father  hath  appointed  unto  Me,  that  ye  may  eat 
and  drink  with  Me  at  My  table  in  the  kingdom, 
and  sit  on  thrones  judging  the  twelve  tribes  of 
Israel.  But  consider  well :  the  kings  of  the  Gen- 
tiles exercise  lordship  over  them,  and  they  that 
exercise  authority  over  them  are  called  benefac- 
tors. But  it  shall  not  be  so  among  you ;  but 
he  that  is  greatest  among  you  let  him  be  as  the 
younger,  and  he  that  is  chief  as  he  that  dotli 
serve.  For  whether  is  greater  he  that  sitteth  at 
meat  or  he  that  serveth  ?  Is  not  he  that  sitteth 
at  meat?  But  I  am  among  you  as  he  that  serv- 
eth. [He  lays  aside  His  garment,  girds  himself 
with  a  white  towel,  and  pours  zmter  into  a 
basin.]     Now  sit  down,  beloved  Disciples. 

Apostles. 
What  will  He  do? 

Christ. 
Peter,  give  Me  thy  foot! 

Peter. 
Lord,  dost  Thou  wash  my  feet? 

Christ. 
What  I  do  thou  knowest  not  now;  but  thou 
shalt   know    hereafter. 

Peter. 
Lord,  Thou  shalt  never  wash  my  feet! 

Christ. 
If  I  wash  thee  not,  thou  hast  no  part  with 
Me. 

71 


Cbe   pa00ion   piay 


Peter. 

Lord,  if  it  be  so,  not  only  my  feet,  but  also 
my  liands  and  my  head. 

Christ. 

He  that  is  washed  needeth  not  save  to  wash 
his  feet,  but  is  clean  every  whit.  [He  washes 
all  the  Disciples'  feet.  After  He  has  taken  His 
garment  again  He  starids  looking  around  the 
circle.]  Ye  are  now  clean — but  not  all!  [He 
sits  doii'n.]  Know  ye  what  I  have  done  to  you? 
Ye  call  me  Master  and  Lord :  and  ye  say  well, 
for  so  I  am.  If,  I  then,  your  Lord  and  Master, 
have  washed  your  feet,  ye  also  ought  to  wash 
one  another's  feet !  For  I  have  given  you  an 
example  that  ye  should  do  as  I  have  done  to 
you.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  the  servant 
is  not  greater  than  he  that  sent  him.  If  ye  know 
these  things,  happy  are  ye  if  ye  do  them.  [He 
stands  up.]  Children  !  but  for  a  little  while  long- 
er shall  I  be  with  you.  That  my  remembrance 
may  never  perish  from  amongst  you  I  will  leave 
you  an  everlasting  memorial  and  so  dwell  with 
you  and  amongst  you.  The  old  covenant  which 
Aly  Father  made  with  Abraham,  Isaac  and  Ja- 
cob hath  reached  its  end.  And  I  say  unto  you : 
a  new  covenant  begins  which  I  solemnly  conse- 
crate to-day  in  My  blood,  as  the  Father  hath 
given  the  commandment — and  this  covenant  will 
last  till  all  be  fulfilled.  [He  takes  bread,  blesses, 
and  breaks  if.\  Take,  eat;  this  is  My  Body, 
which  is  given  for  you.  [He  gives  a  small  por- 
tion to  each  of  the  Disciples.]     This  do  in  re- 

72 


C6e   pa00ion   piap 


membrance  of  me.  [He  takes  the  cup  zmth 
ivinc  and  blesses  it.]  Take  this,  and  drink  ye 
all  of  it:  for  this  is  the  cup  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  foi  you,  and 
for  many,  for  the  remission  of  sins.  [He  gives 
the  cup  to  all.]  As  often  as  ye  do  this,  do  it 
in  remembrance  of  Me.     [He  sits  dozi'n.] 

John. 
Dearest  Master,  never  will  I  forget  Thy  love ! 
Thou  knowest  that  I  love  Thee!  [He  leans  on 
Jesus'  breast.] 

Apostles. 
O !  most  loving  One,  ever  will  we  remain  uni- 
ted to  Thee ! 

Peter. 

This  holy  supper  of  the  new  covenant  shall 
ever  set  forth  amongst  us  according  to  Thine 
ordinance. 

All. 

Most  beloved  Teacher! 
Christ. 

My  children,  abide  in  Me,  and  I  in  you.  As 
the  Father  hath  loved  Me,  so  have  I  loved  you. 
Continue  ye  in  My  love.  But,  alas! — must  I 
say  it? — the  hand  of  him  that  betrayeth  Me  is 
with  Me  on  the  table. 

Several  Apostles. 
What! — a  betrayer  amongst  us? 

Peter. 
Is  it  possible? 

73 


Cfie   passion    piap 


Christ. 
Verily,   verily,   I   say  unto  you,  one  of  you 
shall  betray  Me! 

Andrew. 
Lord,  one  of  us  twelve? 
Christ. 
Yea,  one  of  the  twelve !   One  who  dippeth  his 
hand  with  Me  in  the  dish  shall  betray  Me.    The 
Scripture  will  be  fulfilled :  he  that  eateth  bread 
with  Me  hath  lifted  up  his  heel  against  Me. 

Thomas. 
Who  shall   this   faithless  one  be? 

The  Two  Jameses. 
Name  him  openly,  the  infamous  one ! 

Judas. 
Lord,  is  it  I? 

Thaddaeus. 
Rather  my  life  for  Thee  than  such  an  act! 

Christ. 
[To  Judas.]  Thou  hast  said.  [To  all.]  The 
Son  of  Man  indeed  goeth  as  it  is  written  of 
Him ;  but  woe  unto  that  man  by  whom  the  Son 
of  Man  is  betrayed !  Good  were  it  for  that  man 
if  he  had  never  been  born ! 

Peter. 
[Whispers  to  John.]     Who  is  it  of  whom  He 
speaks  ? 

John. 
[Whispers  to  Jesus.]      Lord,  who  is  it? 

Christ. 
[Whispers  to  John.]     He  is  it  to  whom  I  shall 
give  a  sop  when  I  have  dipped  it. 

74 


Cije   pa0$ion    piap 


Several  Apostles. 
Who  can  it  then  be? 

Christ. 
[After  He  has  given  the  sop  to  Judas.]  That 
thou  doest  do  quickly.     [Judas  goes  out.] 

Thomas. 
[To  Simon.]     Wherefore  goeth  Judas  away? 

Simon. 
Probably  the  Master  sends  him  to  buy  some- 
thing. 

Thaddaeus. 
Or  to  give  ahns  to  the  poor. 


SCENE  II. 

Christ. 
Now  is  the  Son  of  man  glorified,  and  God  is 
glorified  in  Him.  If  God  be  glorified  in  Him, 
God  shall  also  glorify  Him  in  Himself  and  shall 
straightway  glorify  Him.  Little  children,  yet  a 
little  while  I  am  with  you.  Ye  shall  seek  Me ; 
and  as  I  said  unto  the  Jews,  Whither  I  go,  ye 
cannot  come ;  even  so  now  I  say  unto  you. 

Peter. 
Lord,    whither   goest  thou? 

Christ. 
Whither  I  go  thou  canst  not  follow  Me  now, 
but  thou  canst   follow  Me  later. 

Peter. 
Why  cannot  I   follow  Thee  now  ?     I  will  lay 
down  my  life  for  Thy  sake. 

75 


Cfje   passion    piap 


Christ. 
Wilt  thou  lay  down  thy  life  for  My  sake? 
Simon !  Simon !  Satan  hath  desired  to  have  you, 
that  he  may  sift  you  as  wheat.  But  I  have 
prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not ;  and 
when  thou  art  converted,  strengthen  thy  breth- 
ren. All  ye  shall  be  offended  because  of  Me 
this  nig-ht,  for  it  is  written :  I  will  smite  the 
Shepherd,  and  the  flock  shall  be  scattered 
abroad. 

Peter, 
Although   all    shall    be   offended,    will   not    I. 
Lord,   I   am  ready  to  go  with   Thee  both  into 
prison  and  to  death. 

Christ. 
Verily,  verily,  I  tell  thee,  Peter,  that  this  day, 
even  in  this  night  before  the  cock  crow  twice, 
thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice. 

Peter. 
If  I   should   die   with  Thee,   I   will   not  deny 
Thee  in  anywise. 

All. 
Master,  we  also  will  remain  ever  true  to  Thee ! 
None  of  us  will  at  any  time  deny  Tliee. 

Christ. 
When  I  sent  you  without  purse  and  scrip,  and 
shoes,  lacked  ye  anything? 

All. 
No!  Nothing. 

Christ. 
But  now  he  that  hath  a  purse,  let  him  take 
it,  and  likewise  his  scrip ;  and  he  that  hath  no 

76 


Ci)e   passion    piap 


sword,  let  him  sell  his  garment  and  buy  one. 
For  the  time  of  trial  is  beginning^,  and  I  say  unto 
you  that  this  saying  must  yet  be  accomplished 
in  Me:  "And  He  was  reckoned  among  the 
transgressors." 

Peter  and  Philip. 

Lord,  behold  here  are  two  svvords- 
Christ. 

It  is  enough.  Let  us  stand  up  and  say  the 
prayer  of  thanksgiving.  [Witfi  the  Disciples.] 
Praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  people !  Praise  Him,  all 
ye  nations !  For  His  merciful  kindness  is  ever 
more  and  more  towards  us,  and  the  truth  of  the 
Lord  endureth  for  ever!  [He  advances  to  the 
foreground  and  stands  there  aivhile  with  His 
eyes  raised  to  heaven.  The  Apostles  stand  on 
either  side  sorrozvful  and  ga::ing  at  Him.]  Chil- 
dren, why  are  ye  so  sad,  and  why  look  ye  on 
Me  so  sorrowfully?  Let  not  your  heart  be  trou- 
bled :  ye  believe  in  God,  believe  also  in  Me.  In 
My  Father's  house  are  many  mansions ;  I  go  to 
prepare  a  place  for  you,  and  I  will  come  again 
to  receive  you  unto  Myself,  that  where  I  am 
there  ye  may  be  also.  I  leave  you  not  as  or- 
phans. Peace  I  leave  with  you ;  My  peace  I 
give  unto  you:  not  as  the  world  giveth,  give  I 
unto  you.  Keep  My  commandment !  This  is 
My  commandment :  That  ye  love  one  another 
as  I  have  loved  you.  By  this  shall  all  men  know 
that  ye  are  My  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  for 
one  other.  Henceforth,  I  will  not  talk  much 
with  you,  for  the  Prince  of  this  world  cometh 

77 


Cfte   passion   piap 


although  He  hath  nothing  in  Me.  But  that  the 
world  may  know  that  I  love  the  Father,  and 
as  the  Father  gave  the  commandment,  even  so 
I  do.     [Exit.] 


ACT  VI. 

The  Betrayal. 

[Alas,  the  false  friend  joins  himself  to  the  open 
enemies,  and  a  few  pieces  of  silver  destroy  all 
love  and  truth  in  the  heart  of  the  fool!  Re- 
morseless, this  most  thankless  one  departs,  to 
conclude  a  shame  fid  bargaining  in  life;  the  best 
of  Teachers  is  put  up  to  sale  by  him  for  a  con- 
temptible traitor's  rezvard.  The  like  disposition 
hardened  Jacob's  sons  so  that  they  pitilessly  sold 
their  ozvn  brother  for  an  accursed  price  to 
strange  usurers.  Where  the  heart  worships  the 
idol  of  gold,  there  all  nobler  dispositions  are 
killed;  honor,  and  man's  word,  and  love  and 
friendship  become  salable.] 

Chorus. 
What  shudders  run  through  all  m}-  limbs ! 
Where  goest  thou.  Judas,  full  of  rage? 
Art  thou  the  villain,  who  the  blood 
Wilt  sell?     Just  Vengeance,  tarry  not — 

Ye  thunders — Lightnings  cast  him  down — 
Crush,  rend  this  wretch  in  pieces. 

78 


Cf)e    paggion    piag 

"One  amongst  you  shall  Me  betray!" 
Three  times  this  word  the  Master  spake. 
By  greed  seduced  to  blackest  deed 
One  from  the   Supper  quickly  went 
And  this  one — O   thou   holy   God! — 
Is  Judas,  the  Iscariot, 


O  Judas,  Judas,  what  a  crime ! 
Complete  not.  O,  that  darkest  deed ! 
But  no — by  greed  made  deaf  and  blind. 
To  the   Sanhedrin  Judas  hastes ; 
With  wicked  heart  he  now  repeats 
What  once  was  done  in  Dathan's  field. 

NINTH   TABLEAU:   Joseph    sold    by  his 
brethren  to  tJie  Ishmaelites. 

Chorus. 
"What  will  ye  offer  for  the  lad?— 
Answer  us,  brothers — if  we  now 
Deliver  him  for  gold?" 
They  quickly  give   for  the  poor  gain 
Of  twenty  silver  pieces  told. 
Their  brother's  blood  and  life. 
"What  give  ye?  how  reward  ye  me?" 
The  Iscariot  says,  "If  I 
My  Lord  betray  to  you  ?" 
For  thirty  silver  coins  he  makes 
The  bloody  bargain  : — Jesus  is 
To  the  Sanhedrin  sold. 

79 


Cije   pas0ion    piap 


What  this  sad  scene  to  us  sets  forth 

Of  this  world  is  an  image  true. 

How  often  have  ye  by  your  deeds 

Your  God  e'en  thus  betrayed  and  sold? 

On  Joseph's  brethren  ye  pour 

Curses,  and  on  the  Iscariot. 

And  yet  in  the  same  paths  ye  tread; 

For  envy,  greed,  and  brother's  hate 

Unceasingly  exterminate 

Man's  peace,  and  joy,  and  blessedness. 


SCENE  I. 
The  Sanhedrin. 

Caiaphas. 

Assembled  Fathers,  I  have  joyful  news  to  im- 
part to  you.  The  supposed  Prophet  of  Galilee 
will  soon,  we  hope,  be  in  our  hands.  Dathan, 
the  zealous  Israelite,  has  won  over  one  of  the 
most  trusted  followers  of  the  Galilean,  who  con- 
sents to  be  employed  as  guide  for  the  night  at- 
tack. Both  are  ready  here,  and  only  await  our 
summons  [he  sends  a  Priest  to  bring  in  Dathan 
and  Judas].  Now,  however,  I  must  take  your 
advice  as  to  the  price  which  should  be  given  for 
the  deed. 

Nathaniel. 

The  law  of  Moses  instructs  us  concerning  it. 
A  slave  is  reckoned  at  thirty  pieces  of  silver, 

80 


Cl)e   passion   piap 


A  Priest. 
Yes,  yes,  such  a  price  for  a  slave  is  the  worth 
of  the   false   Messiah. 

SCENE  II. 

Dathan  and  Judas  Before  the    Sanhedrin. 

Dathan. 
Most  learned  Council,  here  is  the  man  who  is 
determined  for  a  suitable  reward  to  deliver  your 
and  our  enemy. 

Caiaphas. 
[To  Judas.]      Knowest  thou  the  man  whom 
the  Council  seeks? 

Judas. 
I  have  been  in  His  company  now  for  a  long 
time  and  know  Him,  and  I  know  where  He  is 
wont  to  abide. 

Caiaphas. 
What   is    thy   name? 

Judas. 
I  am  called  Judas,  and  am  one  of  the  twelve. 

Priests. 
Yes,  yes,  we  often  saw  thee  with  Him. 

Caiaphas. 
Art  thou  now  steadfastly  resolved  to  do  after 
our  will  ? 

Judas. 
Thereto  I  give  thee  my  word. 

Caiaphas. 
Wilt  thou  repent  of  it? 


Ctje   passion    piap 


Judas. 
The  friendship  between  Him  and  me  has  for 
some  time  cooled,  and  now  I  have  quite  broken 
with  Him. 

Caiaphas. 
What  has  prompted  thee  to  this? 

Judas. 
Nothing  more  is  to  be  gained  from  Him,  and 
I  am  resolved  to  submit  myself  to  lawful  author- 
ity ;  that  is  always  the  best.     What  will  ye  give 
me  if  I   deliver   Him   unto  you? 

Caiaphas. 
Thirty  pieces  of  silver,  and  they  shall  at  once 
be  counted  out  to  thee. 

Dathan. 
Hearken,  Judas,  thirty  pieces  of  silver !    What 
a  gain ! 

Nathaniel. 
And  observe  also,  Judas,  that  is  not  all.     If 
thou   carriest   out   thy   work   well   thou   wilt   be 
further  cared  for. 

Priest. 
Thou  mayest  yet  become  a  rich  and  illustrious 
man. 

Judas. 
I  am  content.     [Aside.]     Now  is  my  fortune 
made! 

Caiaphas. 
Rabbi,  bring  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver  out  of 
the  treasury  and  reckon  them   in  the  presence 
of  the   Council.     Is  this  as  ye   will? 

82 


Ctje   pa0Sion   piap 


Priests. 
Yea,  it  is  so. 

NiCODEMUS. 

How  can  ye  conclude  such  a  godless  bargain  ? 
[To  Judas.]  And  thou,  vile  creature,  thou 
blushest  not  to  sell  thy  Lord  and  IMaster,  O  for- 
getful of  God — traitor,  whom  the  earth  shall 
swallow  up.  Is  thy  most  loving  Friend  and 
Benefactor  to  be  sold  by  thee  for  thirty  pieces 
of  silver? 

Priests. 

Trouble  not  thyself,  Judas,  about  the  speech  of 
this  zealot.  Let  him  be  a  disciple  of  the  false 
Prophet ;  thou  dost  thy  duty  as  a  disciple  of 
Moses,  whilst  thou  servest  the  rightful  author- 
ities. 

Rabbi. 

[Enters  with  the  mo)iey.\  Come,  Judas,  take 
the  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  and  be  a  man !  [He 
reckons  them  to  him  on  a  small  tabic  so  that 
they  fall  zcith  a  sharp  sound,  Judas  szveeps  them 
eagerly  into  his  bag.\ 

Judas. 

Ye  may  depend  upon  my  word. 
Priests. 

But,  besides,  thou  must  carry  out  the  work- 
before  the  Feast. 

Judas. 

Even  now  fairest  opportunity  presents  itself. 
Even  in  this  night  He  will  be  in  your  hands. 
Give  me  armed  men,  that  He  may  be  duly  sur- 
rounded. 

83 


Cibe   paggton   piag 

Annas, 
Let  lis  go.  forthwith,  with  the  watch  of  the 
Temple. 

Priests. 
Yea,  yea,  iet  us  order  them  off. 

Caiaphas. 
It  would  also  be  advisable  to  send  members 
of  the  holy  Sanhedrin. 

Priests. 
We  are  ready.     [Caiaphas  chooses  out  four 
deputies.] 

Caiaphas. 
But,  Judas,  how  will  the  band  know  the  Mas- 
ter in  the  darkness  of  the  night? 

•    Judas. 
They  must  come   with  torches  and   lanterns, 
and  I  will  give  them  a  sign. 

Priests. 
Excellent,  Judas ! 

Judas. 
Now   I   will   hasten  away  to  spy  out  every- 
thing.    Then  I  will  return  to  fetch  the  armed 
men. 

Dathan. 
I  will  go  with  thee,  Judas,  and  not  leave  thy 
side  till   thy  work   is  accomplished. 

Judas. 
At  the  gate  of  Bethphage  I  await  your  men. 
[Exit  Judas,  Dathan  and  the  four  deputies.] 


84 


C^e   pa$0ion   pia^ 


SCENE  III. 

Caiaphas. 

All  goes  on  admirably,  venerable  Fathers. 
But  now  our  business  is  to  look  the  great  ques- 
tion in  the  face.  What  is  to  happen  to  this 
Man  when  God  shall  have  given  Him  into  our 
hands? 

Priests. 

Let  Him  be  buried  alive  in  the  deepest  dun- 
geon. 

Caiaphas. 

Wliich  of  you  will  warrant  tliat,  in  the  tumult 
of  an  insurrection  raised  by  them,  His  friends 
do  not  set  Him  free,  or  bribe  the  guards  ?  Or 
might  He  not,  through  His  wicked  magic,  break 
His  bonds?  [The  Priests  are  silent.]  I  see  well 
that  ye  know  of  no  resource.  Listen,  then,  to 
the  High  Priest.  It  is  better  that  one  man  die, 
and  that  the  whole  nation  perish  not.  He  must 
die !  Until  He  be  dead  there  is  no  peace  for 
Israel!  No  security  for  the  law  of  Moses,  no 
quiet  hours  for  U5. 

Rabbi. 

God  has  spoken  through  his  High  Priest! 
through  His  death  alone  the  people  of  Israel 
can  and  must  be  saved ! 

Nathaniel. 

The  word  has  long  been  upon  my  lips.  Now 
is  it  spoken.  Let  Him  die,  the  foe  of  our 
fathers ! 

85 


Clbe   pa00ion    piap 


Priests. 
[One  to  another.]     Yea,  let  Him  die!    In  His 
death  is  our  salvation. 

Annas. 
By  my  grey  hairs  I  swear  I  will  not  rest  until 
our  shame  be  effaced  in  the  blood  of  the  Se- 
ducer ! 

N I  CODE  M  us. 

So  judgment  is  pronounced  upon  this  Man  be- 
fore He  Himself  be  heard,  before  any  trial,  or 
any  hearing  of  witnesses  has  taken  place?  Is 
this  a  transaction  worthy  of  the  fathers  of  the 
people  of  Israel? 

Priest. 

What  need  is  there  of  inquiry  or  of  witnesses? 
Have  we  not  ourselves  been  witnesses  of  His 
word  and  deeds  against  the  law  ? 

NiCODEMUS. 

Ye  are  yourselves  accusers,  witnesses  and 
judges.  I  have  listened  to  His  lofty  teaching; 
I  have  seen  His  mighty  works.  They  call  for 
faith  and  for  admiration,  not  for  contempt  and 
punishment. 

Caiaphas. 
What,   the    wicked   wretch    deserves    admira- 
tion !     Thou  wilt  cleave  to  Moses,  and  yet  de- 
fend that  which  condemns  Moses? 

Priests. 
Away  with  thee  out  of  our  assembly! 

Joseph  of  Arimathea. 
I  must  agree  with  Nicodemus.    No  action  has 
been  imputed  to  Jesus  of  Nazareth  which  makes 

86 


^bt   pa0$ion   piap 


Him  guilty  of  death.    He  has  done  nothing  save 
good. 

Caiaphas. 
Speakest  thou  also  thus?  Is  it  not  every- 
where known  how  he  has  violated  the  sabbath, 
and  how  He  has  seduced  the  people  with  sedi- 
tious words?  Hath  He  not,  as  a  Deceiver, 
wrought  His  pretended  miracles  through  Beelze- 
bub?   Hath  He  not  given  Himself  out  as  God? 

Priests. 
Dost  thou  hear? 

Joseph  of  Arimathea. 
Envy  and   malice  have   distorted   His   words 
and  imputed  evil  motives  to  His  noblest  actions. 
And  that  He  is  God,  His  divine  works  make 
manifest. 

Nathaniel. 
Ha,  thou  art  known !    For  a  long  time  already 
thou  hast  been  a  secret  adherent  of  this  Galil- 
ean.    Now  hast  thou  fully  revealed  thyself. 

Annas. 
vSo  we  have  even  in  our  midst  a  traitor  to  the 
holy  laws,  and  even  hitherto  hath  a  seducer  cast 
his  nets? 

Caiaphas. 
What  doest  thou  here,  thou  rebel?     Go  after 
thy  Prophet  to  see  Him  once  more  before  His 
hour  strike,  for  He  must  die !     That  is  unalter- 
ably resolved. 

Priests. 
Yea,  He  must  die,  that  is  our  resolve! 

•87 


C1)C   passion   piap 


NiCODEMUS. 

I  execrate  this  resolution.    I  will  have  no  part- 
in  this  shameful  and  bloody  judgment. 
Joseph  of  Arimathea. 

I  will  also  shun  the  spot  where  innocence  is 
murdered.     [Exit  Nicodemus  and  Joseph.] 

SCENE  V. 

Priests. 
At  length  we  are  quit  of  those  traitors;  we 
can  now  speak  out  freely. 

Caiaphas. 
It  will  above  all  be  necessary  that  we  should 
sit  formally  in  judgment  upon  this  Man,  hear 
Him,  and  bring  witnesses  against  Him ;  other- 
wise the  people  will  believe  that  we  have  only 
prosecuted  Him  out  of  envy  and  hatred. 

Priests. 
Witnesses  will  not  be  wanting;  I  will  provide 
them. 

Pharisee. 
Our  sentence  stands.     F)Ut  in  order  that  the 
weak  do  not  take  offence  we  will  observe  the 
forms  of  justice. 

Second  Pharisee. 
If  these  forms  be  not  sufficient  then  will  the 
strength  of  our  supply  fill  the  want. 

Rabbi. 
A  little  more  or  less  guilty  is  of  small  impor- 
tance.    The  public  welfare  requires  His  imme- 
diate death. 

88 


Clje   passion   piap 


Caiaphas. 

As  to  what  further  belongs  to  the  execution 
of  the  judgment,  it  would  be  best  if  we  could 
obtain  our  end  through  the  Governor,  so  that 
he  should  condemn  Him  to  death.  Then  we 
should  be  without  responsibility. 
Nathaniel. 

We  can  attempt  it.  If  it  does  not  succeed,  it 
still  remains  open  to  us  to  cause  our  judgment 
to  be  carried  out  by  our  trusty  agents,  in  the 
tumult  of  an  insurrection  of  the  people  without 
openly  taking  part  in  it  ourselves. 

Rabbi. 

And  in  the  last  resort  a  hand  will  easily  be 
found  which  in  the  stillness  of  the  dungeon  will 
deliver  the  holy  Sanhedrin  from  its  enemy. 

Caiaphas. 

Circumstances  will  teach  us  what  must  be 
done.  For  the  prese;it  let  us  break  up.  But 
hold  yourselves  ready  at  any  hour  of  the  night. 
I  may  have  to  call  you.  There  is  no  time  to 
lose.     Our  resolve  is,  He  must  die ! 

All. 

[Tumulttioiisly.]  Let  Him  die,  the  enemy  of 
our  holy  law ! 

ACT  vn. 

Jesus  in  the  Garden  of  Gethsemane. 

[As  Adam  strives  -witli  bitter  heart-tveariness, 
exhausted  in  strength,  in  the  sweat  of  his  face, 

89 


Clje   passion   piap 


in  order,  alas!  to  expiate  his  own  guilt,  so  does 
the  guilt  of  mankind  press  upon  the  Redeemer. 
Overivhclmed  by  an  ocean  of  sadness,  His  head 
boived  to  earth  mith  a  heavy  burden,  running 
down  with  bloody  sweat  of  anguish,  He  7mges 
the  hottest  tight  in  the  olive  garden.  Already 
the  faithless  Disciple,  Iscariot,  draws  near,  as 
leader  of  the  Band  of  Men,  using  shamefully 
the  seal  of  love  as  the  token  of  betrayal.  TJius 
basely,  also,  Joab  dealt  ivith  Amasa;  he  presses 
at  the  same  time,  with  hypocritical  mien,  the  kiss 
of  friendship  upon  his  lips,  and  in  his  heart, 
alas!  the  dagger's  point.] 

Chorus. 
Judas,  lo,  ate  hallowed  Bread 
At  the  Sacrament, 
With    unhallowed    conscience- 
Satan  quickly  to  him  entered — 
"That  thou  doest,"  spake  the  Master 
"Judas! — see  thou  do  it  quickly." 

From  the  guest-room  went  he  out, 
Hastened   to  the   Synagogue, 
And  his  Master  there  he  sold. 

Soon  completed — soon  is  ended 

The  most  horrible  of  deeds. 

Alas !  to-day,  e'en  in  this  night, 

Judas  his  Master  will  betray. 

O  come,  ye  all — come  then,  O  come — 

Behold  with  us  the  Sufferings. 

90 


Cftc   pa$$ion    piap 


In  shadow  first — and  soon  in  light 
Appeareth  now 

The  mournfullest  of  histories, 
Gethsemane ! 

TENTH  TABLEAU :    Adam  and  Eve  labor- 
ing. 

O  what  labor,  O  what  heat 
Now  must  Father  Adam  bear ! 
Ah !  a  stream  of  sweat  runs  down 
Over  brow  and  countenance. 

This  is,  then,  the  fruit  of  sin. 
God's  curse  doth  oppress  all  Nature, 
Therefore  yields  she  for  hard  sweat 
And  for  toilsome  industry 
Only  sparingly  her  fruits. 

Thus  so  hard  it  was  for  Jesus 
When   'mid  olive  shades  He  strove, 
That  a  stream  of  bloody  sweat 
From  his  brow  and  body  flowed. 

This  then  is  the  strife  of  sin 
In  His  own  Blood  waged  for  us 
Trembled  yet  wnth  courage  high 
Drank  the  cup  of  suffering. 

ELEVENTH  TABLEAU:     The  murder  of 
Amasa  by  JoAB. 

91 


Cfje    passion    piag 


The  scene  near  Gibeon's  ancient  rocks — 

Judas,  Simon's  son,  repeats. 

Ye  rocks  of  Gibeon ! 

Why  stand  ye  thus  dishonored? 

Ye,  late  the  land's  proud  boast — 

As  though  with  mourning  veil  wrapt  round? 

Say,  I  adjure  thee,  say — what  deed  was  done? 

What  deed  was  done? 

Fly,  wanderer,  with  speed  fly  hence! 

Accursed  be  this  blood-stained  spot ! 

Pierced  by  assassin's  hand  here  fell 

One  Amasa. 

In  holy  friendship's  greeting  trusting, 

Joab's  false  brother  kiss  deceived. 

With  one  voice  cry  with  us :     Curse  on  thee ! 

The   curse  on  thee ! 

The  rocks  complain  of  thee. 
The  blood-soaked  earth  takes  vengeance. 
Be  silent,  rocks  of  Gibeon !  still  your  voice, 
And  hear,  what  in  the  olive  grove  occurred. 

Ye  rocks  of  Gibeon, 
Judas  betrayed  the  Son  of  man, 
And  with  hypocrite's  vile  greeting, 
And  with  false  deceiving  kiss. 
Gave  him  to  the  murderer's  hands. 

Ye  rocks  of  Gibeon ! 
Cursed  be  he  who  his  friend  betrays, 
With  hypocritical  love  deceiving, 

92 


Cf)e    pa00ion    piap 


With  Judas  kiss  the  innocent. 

Who  never  on  corruption  thought. 

Curse  him  shall  the  rocks  resound, 
Curse  him  from  the  rocks  rebound. 


SCENE  I. 

[A  road  near  the  Mount  of  Olives.  Judas 
and  the  Four  Deputies  of  the  Sanhedrin.  The 
Traders.  Selpha,  the  Leader  of  the  Band. 
Malchus.    a  Band  of  Men.] 

Judas. 
Now,  be  watchful.  We  are  nearing  the  place 
whither  the  Master  has  withdrawn  Himself  to 
pass  the  still  night  in  this  lonely  region.  Resis- 
tance need  not  be  thought  of,  the  surprise  is  too 
unexpected. 

Soldier. 
Should   they   venture   it,    they   will    feel   the 
strength  of  our  arms. 

Judas. 
Do  not  fear  it.     He  will  fall  into  your  hands 
without  a  sword's  stroke. 

Traders. 
But  how   shall   we  know  the   Master  in  the 
darkness  ? 

Judas. 
I  will  give  you  this  sign.     When  we  are  in 
the  garden — give  heed — I  will  hasten  to  Him. 

93 


Ciie   passion   piap 


Whomsoever  I  shall  kiss,  that  same  is  He.  Bind 
Him. 

Priest. 
Good.     This  sign  makes  us  go  on  more  se- 
curely.    We  cannot  err. 

Ptolemais. 
Do  you   hear?     By   the  kiss  ye   shall   know 
Him. 

Soldier. 
Yes,  yes,  we  shall  not  miss  Him. 

Judas. 
Now,  let  us  hasten.    It  is  time.    We  are  now 
not  far  from  the  garden. 

Pharisee. 
Judas,  if  to-night  brings  us  this  happy  chance 
thy  action  will  bring  thee  forth  excellent  fruit. 

Traders. 
From  us  also  thou  shalt  receive  a  handsome 
recompense. 

Soldiers. 
Come,  now,   Thou  stirrer  up  of  the  people! 
Now  shalt  Thou  receive  Thy  reward. 


SCENE  n. 

[The  Garden  of  Olives.   Christ  and  the  Dis- 
ciples advance  together  out  of  the  background.^ 

Christ. 
Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  ye  shall  weep 
and  lament,  but  the  world  will  rejoice;  ye  shall 

94 


Cbe   Pa00ion   piap 


be  sorrowful,  but  your  sorrow  shall  be  turned 
into  joy.  For  I  will  see  you  again,  and  your 
heart  shall  rejoice,  and  your  joy  no  man  taketh 
from  you.  I  came  forth  from  the  Father  and 
am  come  into  the  world.  Again  I  leave  the 
world  and  go  to  the  Father. 

Peter. 

Lo,  now  speakest  Thou  plainly  and  speakest 
no  proverb. 

James  the  Great. 

Now  are  we  sure  that  Thou  knowest  all 
things. 

Thomas. 

By  this  we  believe  that  Thou  earnest  forth 
from   God. 

Christ. 

Do  ye  now  believe  ?  Behold,  the  hour  cometh, 
yea,  is  now  come,  that  ye  shall  be  scattered 
every  man  to  his  own,  and  shall  leave  Me  alone, 
but  the  Father  is  with  Me.  Yea,  Father,  the 
hour  is  come!  Glorify  Thy  Son  that  Thy  Son 
also  may  glorify  Thee.  I  have  finished  the  work 
which  Thou  gavest  Me  to  do.  I  have  manifested 
Thy  name  unto  the  men  which  Thou  gavest  out 
of  the  world.  Holy  Father,  keep  them  through 
Thy  name.  Sanctify  them  in  the  truth.  Neither 
pray  I  for  these  alone,  but  for  them  also  which 
shall  believe  on  Me  through  their  word  that  they 
all  may  be  one,  as  Thou,  Father,  art  in  Me,  and 
I  in  Thee.  Father,  I  will  that  they  also  whom 
Thou  hast  given  Me  be  with  Me  where  I  am; 
that  they  may  behold  My  glory  which  Thou  hast 

95 


Cije   pa^gion   piap 


given  Me;  for  Thou  lovedst  Me  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world.  [To  the  Disciples  en- 
tering the  garden  in  visible  sadness.]  Children 
sit  ye  here  while  I  go  and  pray  yonder.  Pray 
that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation.  But  ye,  Peter, 
James,  and  John,  follow  me.  [He  goes  foruimd 
'with  the  three  Disciples.] 

Disciples. 
[In  the  background.]     What  has  happened  to 
our  Master  ?    We  never  yet  saw  liim  so  sorrow- 
ful.   Not  in  vain  has  the  Master  prepared  us  for 
it  beforehand. 

Christ. 
{In  the  foreground.]  O  beloved  children! 
My  soul  is  exceedingly  sorrowful,  even  unto 
death :  tarry  ye  here  and  watch  Me.  [After  a 
pause.]  I  will  go  a  little  further  in  order  to 
strengthen  Myself  by  communion  with  My 
Father.  [He  goes  to  a  rocky  place  with  totter- 
ing steps.] 

Peter. 
[Gazes  after  Him.]     O  most  good  and  dear 
Master ! 

John. 
My  soul  suflfers  with  the  soul  of  our  Teacher. 
[They  sit  dozvn.] 

Peter. 
I  am  full  of   fear.       We  were  witnesses  of 
His  transfiguration  on  the  mount.      But  now — 
what  must  we  see? 

Christ. 
[Near  the  rocky  ground.]     This  hour  must 

96 


C!)e   pa00ion   pia? 


come  upon  Me — the  hour  of  darkness.  But  for 
this  hour  came  I  into  tliis  world.  [He  falls 
upon  His  kuccs.]  Father,  My  Father!  if  it  be 
possible — and  all  things  are  possible  unto  Thee 
— let  this  cup  pass  from  Me!  [He  falls  upon 
His  face,  and  remains  so  for  awhile,  then  again 
kficcls.]  Yet.  Father,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou 
wilt!  [He  stands  up,  looks  up  to  heaven,  then 
goes  to  his  three  Disciples.]     Simon! 

Peter. 
[As  in  a  dream.]     Alas!  my  Master! 

Christ. 
Simon,  sleepest  thou? 

Peter. 
Ah !  my  Master. 

Christ. 
Could  ye  not  watch  with  me  one  hour? 

Peter. 
Master,  forgive. 

Apostles. 
Rabbi,  sleep  has  overpowered  us. 

Christ. 
Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temp- 
tation. 

Apostles. 
Yea,  Master,  we  will  watch  and  pray. 

Christ. 
The  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is 
weak.  [He  returns  to  the  rocky  ground.]  My 
Father,  Thy  demand  is  righteous.  Thy  counsels 
are  holy,  Thou  claimest  this  sacrifice!  [He  falls 
upon  His  knees.]     Father!  the  struggle  is  fierce. 

97 


Cl)e   passion   piap 


[He  falls  upon  His  face,  then  raises  Himself.] 
Yet  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  away  from  me 
except  I  drink  it.  Thy  will  be  done.  [He  stands 
up.]  Most  Holy!  in  holiness  shall  it  be  accom- 
plished by  me !  [He  returns  to  the  sleeping  Dis- 
ciples.] Are  then  your  eyes  so  heavy  that  ye 
could  not  watch  ?  O  my  most  trusted  ones  !  even 
amongst  you  I  find  no  comfort !  [He  goes 
towurds  the  rocky  ground,  then  pauses.]  Ah ! 
how  dark  all  around  Me  becomes.  The  anguish 
of  death  overcomes  Me !  The  burden  of  divine 
justice  lies  upon  Me.  O  sinners!  O  sins  of 
mankind !  ye  weigh  Me  down !  O  fearful  bur- 
den I  O  the  bitterness  of  this  cup!  [He  conies 
to  the  rocky  ground.]  My  Father!  [He  kneels.] 
If  it  be  not  possible  that  these  sins  pass  away 
from  Me,  Thy  will  be  done!  Thy  most  holy 
will!     Father!— Thy  Son!  Hear  Him! 


SCENE  HI. 

An  Angel  Appears. 

Angel. 
Son  of  Man,  sanctify  the  Father's  will !  Con- 
sider the  blessedness  which  shall  proceed  from 
Thy  struggle.  The  Father  has  laid  upon  Thee 
and  Thou  hast  of  Thy  free  will  taken  upon 
Thee,  to  become  the  offering  for  sinful  human- 
ity: carry  it  through!  The  Father  will  glorify 
Thee. 

98 


Cf)e   passion   piap 


Christ. 

Yea,  most  holy  Father.  I  adore  Thy  provi- 
dence. I  will  accomplish  it — accomplish  it!  To 
reconcile,  to  save,  to  bless !  [He  rises.] 
Strenc^thencd  through  Thy  word,  O  Father,  I  go 
joyfully  to  meet  that  to  which  Thou  hast  called 
Me,  the  substitute  for  sinful  man!  [To  the 
three  Disciples.]  Sleep  on  now  and  take  your 
rest. 

Peter. 

What  is  it,  Master? 

The  Three  Apostles. 
Behold,  we  are  ready ! 

Christ. 
The  hour  is  come.     The  Son  of  Man  is  be- 
trayed into  the  hands  of  sinners.     Rise,  let  us 
be  g'oing. 

Disciples. 
What  tumult  is  that? 

Philip. 
Come,  let  us  gather  around  the  Master.  [The 
Disciples  host  en  forward.] 

Christ. 
Lo,  he  that  betrayeth  Me  is  at  hand.     [Judas 
appears  with  the  ha>id.] 

Andrew. 
What  does  this  multitude  want? 

All. 
Ah,  all  is  over  with  us ! 

John. 
And  see,  Judas  is  at  the  head! 

99 


■r,H 


Ci)e   pa00ion   piap 


Judas. 
Hail,  Master!     [He  kisses  Jesus.] 

Christ. 
Friend,  wherefore  art  thou  come?     Betrayest 
thou  the  Son  of  Man  with  a  kiss?      [He  goes 
toward  the  band  of  men.]     Whom  seek  ye? 

Soldiers. 
Jesus  of  Nazareth. 

Christ. 
I  am  He. 

Soldiers. 
Woe  unto  us !  What  is  this?     [They  fall  to  the 
ground.] 

Disciples. 
A  single  word   from  Him  casts  them  down 
that  they  rise  not  up  again. 

Christ, 
[To  the  men.]     Fear  not.     Arise. 

Disciples. 
Lord,  cast  them  down  that  they  rise  not  up 
again. 

Christ. 
Whom  seek  ye? 

Band  of  Men. 
Jesus  of  Nazareth. 

Christ. 
I  have  told  you  that  1  am  He.     If,  therefore, 
ye  seek  Me,  let  these  go  their  way. 

Selpha. 
Seize  Him!     [The  servants  approach  Jesus.] 

lOO 


Cije   passion    piap 


Peter  and  Philip. 

Lord,  shall  we  smite  with  the  sword?  [Peter 
strikes  Malchus.] 

AIalchus. 

Alas!  I  am  wounded.     Mine  ear  is  cut  off, 
Christ. 

[To  the  Disciples.]  Suffer  ye  thus  far.  [To 
Malchus.]  Be  not  troubled ;  thou  shalt  be 
healed.  [He  touches  Malchus's  ear;  then  to 
Peter.]  Put  up  thy  sword  into  the  sheath,  for 
all  they  that  take  the  sword,  shall  perish  with 
the  sword.  The  cup  which  my  Father  hath  giv- 
en Me,  shall  I  not  drink  it?  Thinkest  thou  that 
I  cannot  now  pray  to  My  Father  and  He  will 
presently  give  Me  more  than  twelve  legions  of 
angels?  But  how  then  shall  the  Scriptures  be 
fulfilled,  that  thus  it  must  be?  [To  the  Phari- 
sees.] Are  ye  come  out  as  against  a  thief  with 
swords  and  staves  for  to  take  me?  I  sat  daily 
with  you  teaching  in  the  Temple  and  ye 
stretched  forth  no  hand  against  Me,  and  took 
Me  not.  But  this  is  your  hour  and  the  power 
of  darkness.     Behold,  I  am  here ! 

Selpha. 
Take  Him,  and  bind  Him  fast,  that  He  escape 
not. 

Nathaniel. 
You  are  responsible  for  it  to  the  Sanhedrin. 
[The  Disciples  forsake  him.] 

Band  of  Men. 
Out  of  our  hands  He  escapes  not. 

loi 


Cl)e   passion    piap 


Traders. 
Now  will  we  cool  our  revenge. 

Nathaniel. 
First  go  we  to  Annas,  the  High  Priest.    Lead 
Him  thither. 

Traders. 
[To  Judas.]     Judas,  thou  art  a  man!     Thou 
knowest  how  to  keep  thy  word. 

Judas. 
Said  I  not  to  you  that  to-night  He  should  be 
in  your  power? 

Pharisee. 
Thou  hast  laid  the  whole  Sanhedrin  under  ob- 
ligation to  thee. 

Band  of  Men. 
[Driz'ing  Jesus  before  them.]  On  with  Thee! 
At  Jerusalem  they  will  decide  about  Thee. 

Selpha. 
Let  us  hasten ;  lead  Him  away  safely. 

Band  of  Men. 
Ha  I  run  now,  as  Thou  hast  run  about  the  land 
of  Judaea. 

Selpha. 
Spare  Him  not !    Urge  Him  on. 

Band  of  Men. 
Forward,  otherwise  Thou  shalt  be  driven  with 
sticks ! 

Traders. 
Doth  Beelzebub  then   aid    Thee   no    longer? 
[Exit  all.] 


102 


Cf)c    pa00ion    Play 


SCENE  V. 

[Peter  and  John  coming  out  of  their  hiding 
place.] 

Peter. 
Alas,  they  have  taken  Hiin  away,  our  good 
Master,  John!     {Weeps  upon  his  bosom.]  That 
which  is  incredible  comes  to  pass. 

John. 
O  Friend,  O  best  of  Teachers !  Is  this  then 
Thine  end?  Is  this  then  the  thanks  for  the 
goodness  of  which  Thou  hast  been  the  author? 
The  Benefactor  of  the  people,  the  Friend  of 
humanity  in  chains ! 

Peter. 
John,   I    will  go  after   our   Master.     I   must 
see  Him  yet  again.    Whither  have  they  dragged 
Him  off? 

John. 
Didst  thou  not  hear? — to  Annas.     Come,  we 
will  go  together.   [Exit.] 


END  OF  THE  FIRST  DIVISION. 


103 


Cibe   passion   piap 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

From  the  Arrest  in  the  Garden  of  Gethse- 
MANE  to  the  Condemnation  Under  Pilate. 


ACT  VIII. 

Jesus  Before  Annas. 

Prologue. 

[O  fearful  night!  Behold  thy  Redeemer!  He 
is  dragged  from  tribunal  to  tribunal,  and  every- 
ivherc  encounters  injury  and  ill-treatment.  A 
-ccretch  repays  Him  for  a  sincere  zcord,  spoken 
to  Annas — strikes  Him  zvith  rough  hand  on  His 
blessed  face  in  order  to  gain  praise  for  himself. 
Such  shameful  reward  zoas  also  the  reivard  of 
Micaiah,  when  he  revealed  the  truth  to  King 
Ahab;  one  of  the  lying  prophets  struck  him  on 
the  cheek.  Truth  meets  only  hate  and  persecu- 
tion; yet  though  its  light  may  be  avoided  and 
banished,  at  last  it  zuill  conquer,  and  break 
through  the  darkness.^ 

104 


^U   passion    piap 


Chorus. 
The  anguislied  fight  has  now  begun — 
Begun  in  dark  Gethsemane. 
O  sinners,  lay  it  to  your  hearts. 
And  nevermore  forget  this  scene. 

For  your  salvation  that  befell 
Which  now  we  saw  mid  olive  shades. 
For  you  He  sorrowed  unto  death, 
For  you  He  sank   upon  the  ground ; 
For  you  the  sweat  as  blood  was  forced 
From  every  agonized  limb. 

TWELFTH  TABLEAU :     The  Prophet  Mi- 
caiah  before  King  Ahab  smitten  on  the  check. 

Chorus. 
Micaiah  dared  to  speak  the  truth, 
And   on  the  cheek    was    struck  by   Zedekiah's 

hand. 
"O  King,   thou  wilt  be  conquered 
Shouldst   thou   Ramoth    still   assail." 
These  words  Micaiah  spoke. 
"Then  to  save  thyself  from  mishap 
Trust  not,  Baal's  prophets.  King. 
Though  their  falsehoods  flattering  be." 
But  Micaiah's  truthful  message 
Flattered  not  King  Ahab's  soul ; 
And  the  liar,  Zedekiah, 
Struck  him  for  it  in  the  face. 
Flatterers,   hypocrites   and   liars 
Pluck  with  ease  the  Rose  and  laurel! 

IPS 


Cfte   paggion   piag 


Truth  alone  must  needs   stoop  low, 
For  it  never  flatters  men. 

SCENE  I. 

[The  high  priest,  Annas,  with  three  priests 
on  the  balcony  of  his  house.] 

Annas. 

I  can  find  no  rest  this  night  until  I  know  that 

this  agitator  is  in  our  hands.     Full  of  longing 

I  await  my  trusty  servants  with  the  news  that 

the  enemy  of  the  Sanhedrin  is  already  in  fetters. 

Priests. 
They   cannot  long   delay ;   it   is   a   long  time 
since  they  broke  up. 

Annas. 
In  vain  has  my  troubled  gaze  been  fixed  over 
and  over  upon  the  streets  of  Kedron.  [The 
priests  try  to  tranquilise  Annas,  and  tzvo  of 
them  go  out  in  different  directions  to  see  if  the 
Band  of  Men  be  near;  one  hastens  toivards  the 
Kedron  gate,  and  one  toivards  the  Silo  a  gate. 
At  last  one  of  the  priests  returns  and  an- 
nounces that  all  has  gone  zv'cll.] 

Annas. 
Auspicious  message,  happy  hour!     A  stone  is 
taken  from  my  heart,  and  I  feel  as  though  new- 
born.     Now,   for  the    first   time,    I    call    myself 
with  joy  High  Priest  of  the  chosen  people. 

[The  four  Deputies  of  the  Sanhedrin  appear 
ivith  Judas  upon  the  balcony.] 

1 06 


€:i)t   passion    piaj? 


SCENE  II. 

The  Four  Pharisees. 
Long  live  our  High  Priest. 

Nathaniel. 
The  wish  of  the  Sanhedrin  is  fulfilled. 

Annas. 
O,  I  must  embrace  you  for  joy !     Judas,  thy 
name    will    take    an    honorable    place    in    our 
records  of  the  year.    Even  before  the  feast  shall 
the  Galilean  die ! 

Judas. 
[Terrified.]    Die? 

Annas. 
His   death   is    resolved   upon. 

Judas. 
I   will   not   be    responsible    for    His   life  and 
blood. 

Annas. 
That  is  not  necessary,  H^e  is  in  our  power. 

Judas. 
I  did  not  deliver  Him  to  you  for  that  end. 

Pharisee. 
Thou   hast  delivered   Him.     The  rest  is  our 
business. 

Judas. 
Woe  is  me!     What  have  I  done?     Shall  He 
die?    No!  I  did  not  desire  that.    I  will  not  have 
it.     [He  hastens  aicay.] 

107 


C|)e   pa00ion    piap 


Pharisee. 
[Jeering  at  him.]      Thou  mayest   wish  it  or 
not,  but  He  must  die. 


SCENE  III. 

[The  same  zvithout  Judas.  Directly  after,  en- 
ter upon  the  Balcony  Christ,  Selpha,  the  Lead- 
er of  the  Band,  and  the  Temple  Servants,  Mal- 
CHUS  and  Balbus.     The  Band  remains  outside.] 

Priest. 
Hight  Priest,  the  Prisoner  is  on  the  threshold. 

Annas. 
Let  Him  be  brought  before  me.     [Selpha  ap- 
pears zvith  Christ.] 

Annas. 
Have  ye  brought  Him,  the  Prisoner  alone? 

Balbus. 
His  followers  dispersed  themselves  like  fright- 
ened sheep. 

Selpha. 
We  found  it  not  worth  the  trouble  of  appre- 
hending them,  nevertheless  Malchus  nearly  lost 
his  life. 

Annas. 
What  happened? 

Selpha. 
One  of  His    followers,    with    drawn    sword, 
smote  him,  and  cut  off  his  ear. 

1 08 


Cfje   passion    piap 


Annas. 
How  ?    But  there  is  no  mark  of  it. 

Balbus. 
[Mocking.]      The   magician   has   conjured  it 
back  upon  him  again. 

Annas. 
What  sayst  thou  about  it,  Malchus? 

Malchus. 
[Gravely.]  I  cannot  explain  it.    A  wonderful 
thing  has  happened  to  me. 

Annas. 
'Has   the   Deceiver   perchance  also  bewitched 
thee?    [to  Jesus.]     Tell  me  by  what  power  hast 
Thou  done  this?     [Christ  is  silent.] 

Selpha. 
Speak,  when  the  High  Priest  questions  Thee ! 

Annas. 
Speak !     Give   an   account  of    Thy    disciples, 
and    Thy    teaching    which    Thou    hast    spread 
abroad  in  the  whole  of  Judea,  and  with  which 
Thou  hast  seduced  the  people. 

Christ. 
I  spake  openly  to  the  world  :  I  ever  taught  in 
tlie  Synagogue  and  in  the  Temple,  and  in  secret 
have  I  said  nothing.  Why  askest  thou  Me?  Ask 
them  which  heard  Me,  what  T  have  said  unto 
them  ;  behold  tliey  know  what  T  said. 

Balbus. 
[Strikes  Jesus.]     Answerest  Thou  the  High 
Priest  so? 

109 


Ci)e   Pa0i8!ion   piap 


Christ. 
If    I   have   spoken   evil,   bear   witness    of   the 
evil;  but  if  well,  why  smitest  thou   Me? 

Annas. 
Wilt  Thou   still  defy  us,  when  Thy  life  and 
death  are  in  our  power?     I  am  weary  of  this 
wicked  wretch. 

Balbus. 
[To  Christ,  zvJio  is  led  azvay.]     Wait  awhile; 
Thy  obstinacy  will  give  way. 

Annas. 
I  will  betake  myself  for  a  while  to  repose, 
or  rather  to  quiet  reflection  as  to  how  that  which 
is  happily  begun  may  be  brought  to  an  end.  In 
any  case,  I  shall  receive  the  summons  to  the 
Sanhedrin  early  in  the  morning. 


SCENE  IV. 

Christ  in  the  Midst  of  a  Band  of  Men. 

Men. 
[To  Selpha,  who  leads  Jesus.]     Ha!  is  His 
business  already  over? 

Selpha. 
His  defence  went  badly. 

Balbus. 
It,  however,  gained  Him  a  good  blow  on  the 
face. 

no 


C!)e    pa$0ion    piap 


Selpiia. 
Take  Him  now,  and  awav  with   Him   to  the 
palace  of  Caiaphas. 

Band  ok  Men. 
Away  with  Him  !  March  ! 
Balbus. 
Be  joyful !  from  Caiaphas  Thou  wilt  have  a 
still  better  reception. 

Band  of  Men. 
There  will  the  ravens  croak  about  Thy  ears ! 


SCENE  V. 

Peter  and  John  Before  the  House  of  Annas, 

A  Priest. 

Peter. 
How^  will  it  go  with  the  dearest  Master?     O 
John,  how  sorrowful  I  am  concerning  Him ! 

John. 
Surely  He  will  have  to  suffer  scorn  and  ill- 
treatment  here.     I  am  very  anxious  to  get  near 
the  house. 

Peter. 
All  around,  however,  is  so  quiet. 

John. 
No  noise  is  heard  in  the  palace.     Have  they 
led  Him  away? 

Priest. 
[Coming  out.]     What  do  ye  want  at  the  pal- 
ace in  the  night-time? 

IIJ 


^U   passion   piap 


John. 
Pardon,  we  saw  from  afar  a  crowd  of  people 
going-  here   through   the   Kedron   gate,   and  we 
went  after  them  to  see  what  had  happened. 

Priest. 
They  brought  a  Prisoner,  but  He  has  already 
been  sent  to  Caiaphas. 

John. 
To  Caiaphas  ?    Then  we  will  go  away  at  once. 

Priest. 
It  will  be  as  well  for  you,  otherwise  I  would 
have  you  taken  as  night  brawders. 

Peter. 
We   will    raise  no  commotion   and   go   away 
quietly.     [Exit.] 

Priest. 
[Looking  after  them.]  Are  they  perchance 
followers  of  the  Galilean.  If  I  only  knew ! 
However,  they  will  not  escape  our  people  if  they 
go  to  Caiaphas'  place.  The  whole  following 
must  be  destroyed,  otherwise  the  people  will  nev- 
er be  brought  into  subjection.     [E.vit.] 


ACT  IX. 

Jesus  Before  Caiaphas. 

[Before  enraged  enemies,  now  His  judges, 
stands  the  Lord,  veiled  in  silence.  Patiently  He 
hears  all  the  accusations  and  lies,  even  the  sen- 
tence of  death.     As  once  Naboth,  though  inno- 

112 


Cije   passion   pia^ 


cent,  ufas  persecuted  and  condemned  throuyji 
false  "icitnesses  as  a  blasphemer  of  God,  so  also 
He  ivliose  only  fault  is  Truth,  Love,  Benefi- 
cence. Soon  shall  ye  see  Him  surrounded  by  in- 
human ser:ants,  given  up  as  a  mark  to  the  bru- 
tality of  scorn,  spitefully  entreated  amidst  zvild 
laughter.  In  patient  Job,  laden  with  reproach 
even  by  his  friends  in  his  deepest  trouble,  ye  see 
fereshadozved  the  heavenly  meekness  of  the 
Savior.] 

Chorus. 
How  sore  doth  bleed  my  heart! 
As  'fore  judgment  stands  the  Holiest. 
He  must  bear  the  crimes  of  sinners. 
Betray'd  and  scoffed,  and  bound. 

O  men,  who  will  not  weep  ? 

From  Annas,  dragged  to  Caiaphas — 

Alas,  what  must  He  suffer ! 

See  here  it  now  afresh. 

THIRTEENTH  TABLEAU:    The  death  of 
Naboth. 

"Let  Naboth  die !     To  death  with  him ! 
He  hath  blasphemed  thee,  O  my  king! 

And  God  I — from  Israel  cast  him  out !" 
Thus  foaming  cry  the  sland'rous  tongues. 
By  Jezebel — the  wicked  Queen, 
Paid  for  their  false  and  evil  oath. 

1.13 


Cfje   passion   piay 


Alas !  with  death  they  vengeance  take 
On  that  which  Naboth  ne'er  had  done; 
The  vineyard  upon  King  Ahab 
By  wicked  rogues  is  then  bestowed. 

So   also  Jesus  before   Judgment 
By  Deceit  and  Hate  was  brought 
Until  base  and  cruel  sentence 
On  the  Innocent  was  pronounced. 

Ye  mighty  rulers  of  this  earth — 
For  weal  of  men  above  them  placed 
Forget  not,  'mid  your  duties'  round, 
The  invisible  Judge  of  all. 
Before  Him  all  the  sons  of  men 
Are  equal;  be  they  poor  or  rich, 
Noble  or  born  of  beggar  race; 
He  cares  for  righteousness  alone. 

FOURTEENTH  TABLEAU :    The  ainiction 
of  Job. 

Behold  the  man!     See  Job  in  anguish, 
Who  would  not  weep  at  such  distress? 
His  friends,  and  e'en  his  wife  are  scoffing 
Before  him ;  mocking  at  his  woe. 

O  what  a  man! 

Yet  patiently  he  bears  the  plague 

And  raillery  in  his  distress,  and  hoping,  ever 

Trusts  his  God. 

Oh,  what  a  man ! 

114 


Cfje   passion    piap 


Like   him   also    see   thou,   Jesus 
Comes  without  complaint  or  murmur ! 
Silent  bears  He  blows  and  outrage. 
Oh,  what  a  man ! 

All  ve  troubled,  sirievino-  hearts, 
Melt  with  compassion  as  ye  see 
The  Man  of  Sorrows  bowing  down 
'Neath  weight  of  deepest  rnisery ! 
Oh,  what  a  man ! 


SCENE  I. 

[Baud    of    Men.    Christ    led    through    the 
streets.] 

Band  of  Men. 
[Making  a  noise.]     Thou  wilt  become  a  spec- 
tacle— a  spectacle  to  the  whole  nation ! 

Balbi's. 
Hurry     Thyself !     Thy     followers     are    quite 
ready.     They   wish   to  proclaim   Thee   King  of 
Israel. 

Band  of  Men. 
Thou   hast  often   dreamed   of   it,   hast   Thou 
not? 

Selpha. 
Caiaphas,  the  High  Priest  will  now  interpret 
this  dream  for  Him. 

Balbus. 
Hearest  Thou  ?      Caiaphas    will  announce  to 
Thee  Thy  exaltation. 

J 15 


Cl)e   pa00ion   piap 


Band  of  Men. 
{With  laughter.]      Yes,  Thine  exaltation  be- 
tween heaven  and  earth! 

Selpha. 
Look  out,  ye  fellows !    There  through  Pilate's 
tower,    lies    our   nearest    way    to    the    castle   of 
Caiaphas.     Station  yourselves  there  in  the  out- 
er court  until  further  action. 

Band  of  Men. 
Thy  orders  shall  be  carried  out.     [Exeunt.] 


SCENE  11. 

[Caiaphas    in     his   sleeping-chamber.      The 
Priests  and  Pharisees.] 

Caiaphas. 
This  happy  beginning  promises  us  speedy  ac- 
complishment of  our  wishes.    I  thank  you,  noble 
members  of  the  Sanhedrin,  for  your  zealous  and 
prudent  co-operation. 

Priest. 
The  highest  thanks    are    due    to    our    High 
Priest. 

Caiaphas. 
Let  us  now  pursue  our  path  without  delay ! 
All  is  prepared  beforehand.  The  Council  will  be 
immediately  assembled,  the  necessary  witnesses 
have  been  brought.  I  will  now  begin  the  trial 
of  the  Prisoner.  Then  judgment  will  be  given 
and  care  taken  for  its  execution.    Trust  me,  my 

ii6 


C!)e   paesion   piap 


friends !      I   have   conceived   a   plan   for  myself 
and  hope  to  carry  it  out. 

All. 
Tb.e  God  of  our  fathers  bless  every  action  of 
our  High  Priest ! 


SCENE  III. 

[TJic  same.  The  Band  of  Men  bring  in 
CiiiiisT.     The  False  Witnesses.] 

Selpha. 

[TJw  leader  of  the  band.]  \^enerable  High 
Priests,  here  is  the  Prisoner. 

Caiaphas. 

Bring  Him  nearer,  that  I  may  look  Him  in 
the  face. 

Selpha. 

Stand  forth,  and  show  respect  here  to  the 
house  of  the  Sanhedrin. 

Thou  art  then  He  who  hast  the  fancy  to  wish 
to  bring  about  the  downfall  of  our  synagogue 
and  of  the  law  of  ]\Ioses?  Thou  art  accused 
of  stirring  up  the  people  to  disobedience,  of  de- 
spising the  holy  traditions  of  the  fathers,  of 
many  times  transgressing  the  Divine  command  of 
keeping  the  Sabbath  holy,  and  of  many  blasphe- 
mous words  and  deeds  against  God.  There  are 
here  worthy  men,  who  are  ready  to  uphold  the 
truth  of  these  complaints  v/ith  their  witness. 
Listen  to  them,  and  tlien  Thou  mayest  defend 
Tliyself   if  Thou  canst. 

•117 


Cf)e   pa00ion    pia? 


First  Witness. 
I  can  testify  before  God  that  this  Man  has 
stirred  up  the  people,  while  He  has  openly  de- 
nounced the  members  of  the  Council  and  the 
Scribes  as  hypocrites,  raging  wolves  in  sheep's 
clothing,  blind  leaders  of  the  blind,  and  has  said 
that  no  one  is  to  follow  them. 

Second  Witness. 
T  also  witness  to  this,  and  can  add  besides  that 
He  has   forbidden  the  people  to  pay   tribute  to 
Caesar. 

First  Witness. 
Yea,  at  least  He  has  let  fall  ambiguous  words 
concerning  it. 

Caiaphas. 
What  sayest  Thou  to  that?   Thou  art  silent? 

Third  Witness. 
I  have  often  seen  how  He  with  His  disci- 
ples has,  in  defiance  of  the  law,  gone  to  table 
with  unwashed  hands,  how  He  was  wont  to  have 
friendly  intercourse  with  publicans  and  sinners, 
and  went  into  their  houses  to  eat  with  them. 
[Other  Witnesses.  This  zve  also  have  often 
seen.]  I  have  heard  from  trustworthy  people 
that  He  even  spake  with  Samaritans,  and  indeed 
dwelt  with  them  a  whole  day. 
First  Witness. 
I  was  also  an  eye-witness  of  how  He  did  on 
the  Sabbath,  what  by  God's  law  is  forbidden, 
and  fearlessly  healed  the  sick.  He  enticed  others 
to  break-  the  .Sabbath,  and  he  also  commanded  a 
man  to  carry  his  bed  to  his  house. 

ii8 


Cl)c    Ii5>a00fon    l?>Iap 


Caiaphas. 
What   hast  Thou  to   reply  to  this   evidence? 
Hast  Thou  nothing  to  answer  to  it? 
Third  Witness. 
Thou  hast   [/  was  present]   taken  upon  Thy- 
self to  forgive  sins,  which  belongs  only  to  God. 
Thou  hast  also  blasphemed  God! 

First   Witness. 
Thou  hast  called  God  Thy  Father,  and  hast 
dared   to   declare   that   Thou   art   One   with   the 
Father.     Thou  hast  also  made  Thyself  equal  to 
God. 

Second  Witness. 
Thou    hast   exalted   Thyself   above   our   fore- 
father Abraham  ;  Thou  didst  say  that  before  Ab- 
raham was   Thou  wert. 

Fourth  Witness. 
Thou   hast   said,   "I   am   able   to   destroy   the 
Temple  of  God,  and  to  build  it  in  three  days." 

Fifth   Witness. 
I  have  heard  Thee  say,  "I  will  destroy  this 
Temple  that   is   made   with    hands,   and   within 
three   days   I   will   build   another   made   without 
hands." 

Caiaphas. 
Thou  hast  then  extolled  Thyself  as  a  super- 
human Divine  authority.  These  are  heavy  ac- 
cusations, and  they  are  witnesses  according  to 
ihe  law.  Answer,  if  Thou  canst?  Thou  think- 
est  to  be  able  to  save  Thyself  through  silence. 
Thou    darest    not    to    acknowledge    before    the 

iiy 


Clbe   pa$$ion   Ig^lap 


fathers  of  the  people  that  which  Thou  hast 
taught  before  the  people.  Or  darest  Thou? 
Hear  then :  I,  the  High  Priest,  adjure  Thee  by 
the  living  God !  say  art  Thou  the  Messiah,  the 
Son  of  the  most  High  God? 

Christ. 
Thou  has  said  it,  and  so  I  am.     Nevertheless 
I  say  unto  you,  hereafter  ye  shall  see  the  Son 
of  Man  sitting  on  the  right  hand  of  power,  and 
coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven. 

Caiaphas. 
He  hath  blasphemed   God!     What   need   we 
any  further  witnesses?    Ye  have  heard  the  blas- 
phemy !     What  think  ye  ? 

All. 
He  is  guilty  of  death ! 

Caiaphas. 

He  has  been  unanimously  declared  guilty  of 
death.  Yet  not  I,  and  not  the  Sanhedrin,  but 
the  law  of  God  itself  declares  the  judgment  of 
death  upon  Him.  Ye  teachers  of  the  law,  I  re- 
quire you  to  reply,  what  saith  the  holy  law  of 
Him  who  is  disobedient  to  the  authority  or- 
dained of  God? 

First  Priest. 

[Reads.]  "The  man  that  will  do  presumptu- 
ously, and  will  not  hearken  unto  the  priest  that 
standeth  to  minister  there  before  the  Lord  thy 
God,  or  unto  the  judge,  even  that  man  shall 
die,  and  thou  shalt  put  away  the  evil  from 
Israel." 

120 


Cf)e   pa00ion   piaj? 


Caiapiias. 
What   doth   the    law   ordain    concerning  him 
who  profaneth  the  Sabbatli? 

Second  Priest. 
[Reads.]  "Ye  shall  keep  the  Sabbath  there- 
fore, for  it  is  holy  unto  you :  every  one  that 
defileth  it  shall  surely  be  put  to  death :  for  who- 
soever doeth  any  work  therein,  that  soul  shall  be 
cut  off  from  his  people." 

Caiaphas. 
How  doth  the  law  punish   a  blasphemer? 

Third  Priest. 
[Reads.]  "Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel 
saying,  Whosoever  curseth  his  God  shall  bear 
his  sin.  And  he  that  blasphemeth  the  name  of 
the  Lord  he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death ;  all 
the  congrep^ation  shall  certainly  stone  him,  as 
well  the  stranger  as  he  that  is  born  in  the  land." 

Caiaphas. 
Thus  is  judgment  declared  upon  this  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  declared  according  to  the  law,  and  it 
shall  be  carried  out  as  soon  as  possible.  Mean- 
while I  will  have  the  Condemned  safely  kept. 
Lead  Him  away!  Guard  Him,  and  with  the 
morning  dawn  bring  Him  to  the  great  Sanhe- 
drin. 

Selpha. 
Come  on  then,  Messiah !    We  will  show  Thee 
Thy  palace. 

Balbus. 
There  Thou  wilt  receive  due  homage.     [They 
lead  Him  away.] 

121 


Cl)e   passion   piap 


SCENE  IV. 

Caiaphas. 
We  are  near  our  end.     Now,  however,  deter- 
mined steps  are  necessary. 

All. 
We  will  not  rest  till  He  be  brought  to  death. 

Caiaphas. 
With  the  break  of  the  day  let  us  reassemble. 
Then  shall  the  judgment  be  confirmed  by  the 
whole  assembled  Council,  and  the  Prisoner  shall 
be  hereupon  immediately  brought  before  Pilate 
in  order  that  he  may  enforce  it,  and  so  cause 
it  to  be  carried  out. 

Priest. 
May  God  soon  set  us  free  from  our  Enemy! 


SCENE  V. 

Judas. 
[Alone.]  FearfuJ  forebodings  drive  me  hith- 
er and  thither.  That  word  in  the  house  of  An- 
nas— He  must  die !  O !  that  word  pursues  me 
everywhere  !  No  !  they  will  not  carry  it  so  far ! 
It  was  horrible — and  I — guilty  of  it !  Here  in 
the  house  of  Caiaphas  I  will  inquire  how  mat- 
ters stand.  Shall  I  go  in?  I  can  no  longer 
bear  this  uncertainty,  and  I  am  terrified  of  at- 

122 


Cfje    Pa0i8!ion    piap 


taining  certainty,  but  it  must  come  some  time. 
[He  goes  in.] 


SCENE  VI. 

[Night.  Hall  in  the  house  of  Caiaphas.  The 
Maids,  Sarah  and  Hagar  ■:inth  a  Band  of  Men. 
The  Servants  lie  around  a  large  brazier  of  coals. 
John  and  Peter,  later  Selpha,  unth  Christ.] 

Hagar. 
[To  John,  who  stands  at  the  entrance.]  John, 
comest  thou  also  hither  in  the  middle  of  the 
night?  Come  in  then.  Here  canst  thou  warm 
thyself.  Will  not  ye  men  willingly  make  room 
for  this  young  man  ? 

Band  of  Men. 
Yea,  truly,  come  in ! 

John. 
Good  Hagar,  there  is  yet  a  companion  with 
me ;  might  he  not  also  come  in  ? 

Hagar. 
Where     is     he?      Let   him    come   in.      Why 
should  he  stand  out  in  the  cold?     [John  goes 
to  Peter  who  is  standing  at  one  side,  but  re- 
turns alone.]     Now,  where  is  he? 

John. 
He  is  standing  on  the  threshold,  but  dares  not 
come  in. 

Hagar. 
Come  in,  good  friend,  be  not  afraid. 

123 


C6e   paggion   piag 


Band  of  Men. 
Friend,  come  thou   also  here  to  us.     Warm 
thyself.     [Peter  timidly  approaches  the  fire.] 

Servant. 
We  still  see  and  hear  nothing  of  the  Prisoner. 

Band  of  Men. 
How  much  longer  must  we  wait  here? 

Second  Servant. 
Probably  He  will  come  from  the  audience  as 
one   condemned   to  death. 

First  Servant. 
I  marvel    if    His    disciples    will  not  also  be 
sought  for. 

Band  of  Men. 
[Laughing.]     That  were  a  fine  piece  of  work, 
if  they  were  all  taken  prisoners. 
Second  Servant. 
It  would  not  be  worth  while.     If  the  Master 
be  once  out  of  the  way  the  Galileans  would  take 
flight  and  no  longer  allow  themselves  to  be  seen 
in  Jerusalem. 

First  Servant. 
But  at  least  the  one,  who  in  the  garden  cut 
off  Malchus'  ear  ought  to  receive  sharp  chastise- 
ment. 

Band  of  Men. 
Yea,  for  it  is  said,  "an  ear  for  an  ear." 

First  Servant. 
Ha.  ha,  ha,  but  the  rule  does  not  apply  here 
for  Malchus  has  got  his  ear  back. 

Hagar. 
[To  Peter.]     I  have  been  observing  thee  for 

124 


Clje   passion    piap 


some  time.  If  I  mistake  not,  thou  art  one  of 
the  disciples  of  the  Galilean  ?  Yea,  yea,  thou 
art. 

Peter. 
I?    No — I  am  not.    Woman,  I  know  Him  not, 
neither  know  I  what  thou  sayest.      [He  tries  to 
slip  away  and  passes  near  Sar.'\h.] 

Sarah. 
Behold,  this    fellow   was   also   with  Jesus   of 
Nazareth. 

Peter. 
I  was  not,  on  my  soul !     I  know  not  the  Man. 
[The  cock  erodes.] 

Third  Servant. 
Behold,  this   man.     Of  a  truth   he   also   was 
with  Him ! 

Peter. 
I  know  not  wliat  ye  have  to  to  do  with  me. 
What  is  this  Man  to  me? 

Servant. 
Surely  thou  art  one  of  them !  for  thou  art  a 
Galilean,  and  ye  speak.      [The  cock  crozvs  the 
second  time.] 

Fourth  Servant. 
What,  did  I  not  see  thee  in  the  garden  with 
Him  when    my    cousin    Malchus    had    his     ear 
struck  off? 

Band  of  Men. 
[At  the  fire.]      Make  yourselves   ready,   they 
are    bringing-    in    the    Prisoner!      [Selpha    ap- 
pears with  Christ.) 

125 


Cbe   pa00ion   piap 


Second  Servant. 
Now,  how  have  things  gone? 

Selpha. 
He  is  condemned  to  death. 

Band  of  Men. 
[Alocking.]   Poor  King.     [Christ  looks  sor- 
rowfully lip  on  Peter.] 

Selpha. 
Onward,  comrades !    'He  will  beguile  the  time 
for  us. 

SCENE  vn. 

[Peter  alone,  afterzvards  John.] 

Peter. 
Ah,  dearest  Master,  how  deeply  have  I  fallen ! 
O  weak,  O  wretched  man  !  Thee,  my  most  loving 
Friend  and  Teacher,  I  have  denied — three  times 
have  I  denied  Thee  for  whom  I  promised  to 
die.  O,  I  know  not  how  I  could  so  terribly  have 
forgotten  myself !  Accursed  be  my  shameful 
denial !  May  my  heart  be  ever  filled  with  sor- 
row for  this  despicable  cowardice!  Lord,  my 
dearest  Lord,  if  Thou  hast  still  grace  left  for 
me,  grace  for  a  faithless  one,  O  grant  it,  grant 
it  even  to  me !  even  now  hearken  to  the  voice 
of  my  repentant  heart.  Alas,  the  sin  has  been 
committed ;  I  can  never  more  undo  it,  but  ever- 
more will  I  weep  and  repent  over  it.  Never, 
never  more  will  I  leave  Thee,  O  Thou  most  full 
of  goodness.  Thou  wilt  not  cast  me  out?  Thou 
wilt  not  despise  my  bitter  repentance?    No;  the 

126 


Cije    lS)a00ion    piap 


gentle  compassionate  glance  with  which  Thou 
didst  look  on  me.  Thy  deeply  fallen  disciple  as- 
sures me  that  Thou  wilt  forgive  me.  This  hope 
I  have  in  Thee,  O  best  of  Teachers  And  the 
whole  love  of  my  heart  shall  from  this  moment 
belong  to  Thee,  and  keep  me  most  closely  united 
to  Thee.  Nothing,  nothing,  sliall  be  able  ever 
again  to  separate  me  from  Thee ! 

John. 
Where  can  Peter  have  gone?  Math  any  mis- 
chance befallen  him?  Perchance  I  shall  light 
upon  him  on  the  road.  I  will  now  go  to  Beth- 
any. But,  what  will  thy  heart  feel,  most  be- 
loved mother,  when  I  shall  relate  all  to  thee ! 
O  Judas,  what  a  fearful  deed  hast  thou  ac- 
complished ! 


SCENE  VIII. 

[Christ  m  the  midst  of  the  Band  of  Men  sit- 
ting upon  a  chair.] 

Servants. 
[One  after  another.]  Is  not  this  throne  too 
mean  f(  r  Thee,  great  King? — Hail  to  Thee,  new- 
born Ruler !  But  sit  more  firmly,  else  mightest 
Thou  perchance  fall  down.  [He  pushes  Jesus 
dozvn].  Tliou  art  verily  also  a  Prophet.  Then 
say,  great  Elias  [he  strikes  Him]  who  is  he  who 
smote  Thee?  Was  it  I  ?  [fie  also  strikes  Him.] 
Hearest    Thou    nothing?      [He    shakes    Him.] 

127 


Clje   passion   piap 


Sleepest  Thou  ? — He  is  deaf  and  dumb.  A  fine 
Prophet!  [lie  pushes  Him  do^vn  from  the  chair 
so  that  He  fails  at  full  length.]  Alas,  alas,  our 
King  has  tumbled  from  His  throne! — What  is  to 
be  done  now  ?  We  have  no  king  left  I — Thou  art 
really  to  be  pitied,  Thou  great  Miracle-worker! 
— Come,  let  us  help  Him  up  again  upon  His 
throne!  [They  raise  Him.]  Get  up,  mighty 
King!      Receive   anew    our   homage. 

Messenger  From  Caiaphas. 
[Entering.]     Now,  how  goes  it  with  the  new 
King? 

Band  of  Men. 
He   speaks   and   prophesies   not;   we  can   do 
nothing  with  Him. 

Messenger. 
The  High  Priest  and  Pilate  will  soon  make 
Him  speak.     Caiaphas  sends  me  to  bring  Him 
before  him. 

Selpha. 
Up,  comrades! 

Servant. 
[Takes  Jesus  by  the  cords  with  which  He  is 
bound.]      Get   up,   Thou   hast  been   King  long 
enough. 

All. 
Away  with  Thee,  Thy  kingdom  has  come  to 
an  end. 


128 


Clie   Pa00ion    piap 


ACT  X. 

The  Despair  of  Judas. 

[Wherefore  wanders  Judas  thus  inadly 
abroadf  Alas!  he  is  tortured  by  the  pain  of  an 
evil  conscience.  Blood-guiltiness  lies  upon  his 
soul;  he  roams  about  in  fiery  torment — the 
•wages  of  sin.  Weep,  O  Judas,  for  what  thou 
hast  committed !  O  blot  out  thy  gitilt  with  tears 
of  penitence!  In  lozvly  hope  entreat  for  grace! 
Yet  doth  the  door  of  salvation  stand  open  to 
thee.  Woe,  alas!  Bitterest  remorse  tortures  him 
indeed,  but  through  the  darkness  no  ray  of  hope 
shines  on  him.  "Too  great!  too  great  is  my 
sin!"  He  exclaimed  zvith  Cain,  the  fratricide. 
Like  him,  comfortless  and  unrepentant,  wild  de- 
spair and  horror  seize  upott  him.  That  is  the 
last  wage  of  sin.    This  fate  doth  it  urge  07i.] 

Solo. 
"Woe  to  that  man,"  so  spake  the  Lord, 
"By  whom  I  am  betrayed, 
It  had  been  better  for  that  man 
If  he  had  ne'er  been  born." 

The  woe  which  Jesus  spake  hath  come. 
And  follows  on  Iscariot's  path. 

129 


Cfte   pa00ion   piap 


'Twill  be  poured  out  in  measure  full, 
And  Judas  cannot  'scape  its  wrath. 

Chorus- 
The  guilty  deed  hath  won  its  wage, 
The  blood  he  sold  for  vengeance  cries. 
He  raves  by  guilty  conscience  scourged 
And  whipt  by  Fury's  frantic  rage. 
He  now  runs  madly  to  and  fro, 
But  finds  no  rest  for  evermore; 
Till,  swept  away  by  fierce  despair 
He  flings   from  him  in   reckless  haste 
The  life  he  can  no  longer  bear. 

FIFTEENTH  TABLEAU:     The  Death  of 
Abel.     Cain's  despair. 

'  Solo. 
Thus  Cain  too  flies.    Whither,  alas ! 
Thou  canst  not  from  thyself  escape. 
Thou  bear'st  within  thee  pains  of  hell; 
And  hasteneth  from  place  to  place, 
Unceasingly  the  scourge  is  plied 
Where'er  thou  art,  the  scourge  is  there; 
Thou  never  canst  outrun  thy  pain. 

Chorus. 
This  shall  the  sinner's  mirror  be; 
For  if  revenge  come  not  to-day — 
Yet  Heaven  on  credit  still  can  go; 
So  falls  the  double  judgment  sore 
Upon  their  heads  the  morrow  morn. 

130 


Ci)e   passion    piap 


SCENE  I. 

Judas. 

[Alone.]  My  fearful  foreboding  has  then  be- 
come a  horrible  certainty,  Caiaphas  has  con- 
demned the  Master  to  death  and  the  Council  has 
concurred  in  his  judgment.  It  is  over!  no  hope, 
no  deliverance  left.  If  the  Master  had  willed 
to  save  Himself  He  would  have  made  them  feel 
His  might  a  second  time  in  the  garden.  Now 
He  will  do  it  no  more.  And  what  can  I  do  for 
Him ;  I,  miserable  I,  who  have  delivered  Him 
into  their  hands?  They  shall  have  the  money 
again — the  blood  money :  they  must  give  me 
my  Master  back  again !  Yet — will  He  be  saved 
thereby  ?  O  vain  hope !  They  will  scorn  me, 
I  know  it !  Accursed  synagogue !  thou  hast  se- 
duced me  through  thy  messengers ;  hast  hidden 
thv  bloodv  design  from  me  until  thou  hadst  Him 
in  thy  clutches.  I  will  have  no  part  in  the  blood 
of  the  Innocent! 

SCENE  IL 

The  Sanhedrin. 

Caiaphas. 
I  thought,  O  fathers,  that  I  could  not  wait  un- 
til morning  to  send  the  Enemy  of  the  synagogue 
to  His  death. 

131 


Cfte   passion   piap 


Annas. 
I  also  could  get  not  a  moment's  rest,  for  eag- 
erness to  hear  the  judgment  pronounced. 

All. 
It  is  pronounced.    He  shall  and  must  die. 

Caiaphas. 
I  will  now  have  the  Criminal  brought  in  again 
in  order  that  ye  may  all  be  convinced  of  His 
being  guilty  of  death. 


SCENE  III. 

[Judas  hastening  in.] 

Judas. 
Is  it  true?    Have  ye  condemned  my  Master 
to  death? 

Rabbi. 
Why  dost  thou  force  thyself  in  here  unsum- 
moned?     Be  off!     Thou  wilt  be  called  if  thou 
art  wanted. 

Judas. 
I  must  know  it.    Have  ye  condemned  Him? 

All. 
He  must  die. 

Judas. 
Woe,  woe,  I  have  sinned.    I  have  betrayed  the 
Righteous.     O  ye,   ye,  bloodthirsty  judges,   ye 
condemn  and  murder  the  guiltless. 

All. 
Peace,  Judas,  or — — 

132 


C5e   pa00ion   piap 


Judas. 
No  peace   for  me  for  evermore !     No  peace 
for  you !     The  blood  of  the  Innocent  cries  for 
vengeance ! 

Caiaphas. 
What  makes  thee  crazy?     Speak,  but  speak 
Avith  reverence.     Thou  standest  before  the  San- 
hedrin. 

Judas. 
Ye  are  resolved  to  give  Him  up  to  death  Who 
is  pure  from  all  guilt.     Ye  dare  not !     I  protest 
against  it.     Ye  have  made  me  a  traitor.     Your 

accursed  pieces  of  silver 

Annas. 
Thou  didst  thyself  make  the  offer  and  con- 
clude the   bargain 

Priest. 
Recollect  thyself,  Judas.     Thou  hast  received 
what  thou  didst  desire.     And  if  thou  behavest 

thyself  quietly,  then  mayest  thou  still 

Judas. 
I  will  have  nothing  more !    I  tear  your  shame- 
ful treaty  in  pieces.     Give  up  the  Innocent  One. 

Rabbi. 
Be  off,  madman ! 

Judas. 
I  demand  the  Innocent  One  back  again !    My 

hand  shall  be  pure  from  the  blood 

Rabbi. 
What,   thou   infamous  traitor,   thou   wilt  pre- 
scribe laws  to  the  Sanhedrin.     Know  this !    Thy 

133 


C{)e   pas0ion   piap 


Master  must  die,  and  thou  hast  delivered  Him 
to  death. 

All. 
He  must  die ! 

Judas. 
[With  staring  eyes.]  Die?  I  am  traitor! 
[Breaking  out  zvildly.]  Then  may  ten  thousand 
devils  from  hell  tear  me  in  pieces.  May  they 
grind  me  to  powder !  Here,  ye  bloodhounds, 
take  your  curse,  your  blood  money !  [He  throzvs 
dozvn  the  bag.] 

Caiaphas. 
Why  didst  thou  let  thyself  be  used  for  a  trans- 
action which  thou  hadst  not  weighed  beforehand  ? 

All. 
See  thou  to  it. 

Judas. 
Then  my  soul  shall  be  damned,  my  body  burst 

asunder,  and  ye 

All. 
Silence,  and  take  thyself  hence ! 

Judas. 
Ye  shall  be  dragged  with  me  into  the  abyss 
of  the  hell !     [He  rushes  out.] 


SCENE  V. 

Caiaphas. 
[After  a  pause.]     A  fearful  man! 

Annas. 
I  had  some  foreboding  of  it. 

134 


C!)e   paggfon   l^Iag 

Priest. 
It  is  his  own  fault. 

Caiaphas. 
He  has  betrayed  his  Friend ;  we  prosecute  our 
Enemy.     I  stand  fast  in  my  resolve,  and  if  there 
be    one   here   who  is   of   another   mind   let  him 
stand  up. 

All. 
No,  what  is  determined  let  it  be  carried  out! 

Caiaphas. 
What  shall  we  do  with  this  money  ?    As  blood 
money  it  may  not  be  put  into  the  treasury  of 
God. 

Priest. 
A  burying-place  for  strangers  is  wanted.  With 
this  money  a  field  for  it  could  be  bought. 

Caiaphas. 
Is  there  such  a  one  for  sale? 

Priest. 
A  potter  in   the  city  has  offered  a  piece  of 
ground  for  sale  for  just  this  price. 

Caiaphas. 
Go  then   and   buy   it.      But   now   we  will    no 
longer  delay  to  pronounce  the  last  sentence  upon 
the  Prisoner. 

Rabbi. 
I  will  have  Him  immediately  brought  in. 

Annas. 
I    shall    see    whether    the    scorn    which    He 
showed  towards  me  has  yet  left  Him.     It  will 
be  a  true  satisfaction  to  me  to  have  a  voice  in 
the  sentence.     Let  Him  die. 

.  135 


Cf)c    pa0Sion    piap 


SCENE  V. 

Christ  Before  the  Sanhedrin. 

Selpha. 

[Bringing  in  Jesus.]     Reverence  the  Council 
better  than  before. 

Caiaphas. 
Lead  Him  into  the  midst. 

Balbus. 
Stand  forth.      [He  pushes  the  Prisoner  for- 
ward.] 

Caiaphas. 
Jesus  of  Nazareth,  dost  Thou  persist  in  the 
words  which  Thou  this  night  hast  spoken  be- 
fore Th}'  judges? 

Annas. 
If  Thou  art  the  Christ,  tell  us. 

Christ. 
If  I  tell  you,  ye  will  not  believe:  and  if  I  also 
ask  you,  ye  will  not  answer  me,  nor  let  me  go. 
Hereafter  shall  the  Son  of  Man  sit  on  the  right 
hand  of  the  power  of  God. 

All. 
Art  Thou  then  the  Son  of  God? 

Christ. 
Ye  say  that  I  am. 

136 


Cf)c   passion   piap 


Annas. 
It  is  enough.     What  need  we  of  any  further 
witnesses? 

Priest  and   Pharisees. 
[IVho  zvere  not  present  at  the  night  council.] 
We  have  now  heard  of  His  own  mouth. 

Caiaphas. 
Fathers  of  the  people  of  Israel,   it  behooves 
you  now  to  determine  the  final  sentence  as  to  the 
guilt  and  the  punishment  of  this  Man. 

All. 
He  is  guilty  of  blasphemy !    He  hath  deserved 
death. 

Caiaphas. 
We    will    accordingly    lead    Him  before   the 
Judgment  seat   of  Pilate. 

All. 
Yea,  away  with  Him.     Let  Him  die! 

Caiaphas. 
Pilate  must,  however,  be  first  informed  about 
the  matter  in  order  that  he  may  publish  the  sen- 
tence before  the  feast.  [He  sends  a  Rabbi  and 
tzvo  other  members  of  the  Council  to  Pilate.] 
This  day  will  indeed  save  the  religion  of  our 
fathers  and  exalt  the  honor  of  the  descendants. 
Lead  Him  away.     We  follow ! 

All. 
Death  to  the  Galilean! 

157 


Cl)e   pa00ion   piap 


SCENE  VI. 

The  Three   Messengers  of  the   Sanhedrin 
Before  Pilate's  House. 

Rabbi. 

At  length  we  breathe  more  freely ;  we  have 
been  insulted   long  enough. 

First  Priest. 

It  was  full  time.  His  following  is  already 
very  large. 

Rabbi. 

Now  there  is  nothing  more  to  fear  from  Him. 
The  traders  have  to-day  shown  the  most  praise- 
worthy activity,  in  order  to  gain  for  us  a  crowd 
of  determined  folk.  Ye  will  see ;  if  it  comes 
to  anything,  these  will  give  the  tone  decidedly. 
The  weakminded  will  consent  with  them  and  the 
followers  of  the  Nazarene  will  find  it  well  to  be 
silent  and  to  withdraw  themselves. 
First  Priest. 

How  shall  we  bring  our  request  before  Pi- 
late ?  We  must  not  enter  the  house  of  the  heath- 
en to-day  else  we  shall  be  unclean  to  eat  the 
Passover. 

Rabbi. 

We  will  have  the  petition  delivered  through 
his  people.  [Knocks  at  the  door  to  Pilate's  Ser- 
vant, who  conies  out.]  The  High  Priest  sends 
us  to  petition  the  sublime  representative  of  Cae- 

138 


Cf)e   pa$0ioii    piap 


sar  that  he  would  permit  the  Council  to  appear 
before  him.  and  to  bring  a  Criminal  before  him 
for  ratification  of  His  sentence. 

Servant. 
I  will  at  once  give  the  message. 

First  Priest. 
It  is  sad  that  we  must  knock  at  a  heathen's 
door  in  order  to  fulfill  the  claims  of  the  holy 
law. 

Rabbi. 
Courage,   when  once  our  domestic   enemy   is 
out  of  the  way,  who  knows  if  we  shall  not  soon 
be  rid  of  this  stranger? 

Second  Priest. 
O  that  I  could  see  the  day  which  will  bring 
freedom  to  the  children  of  Israel ! 

Servant. 
[Retitrning.]     The  Governor  greets  you.    You 
are  to  announce  to  the  High  Priests  that  Pilate 
is  ready  to  receive  the  petition  of  the  Sanhedrin. 

Rabbi. 
Accept  our  thanks. 

Second  Priest. 
[As  they  are  going.]  Pilate  will  surely  assent 
to  the  demand  of  the  Sanhedrin  ? 

Rabbi. 
He  must !     How  can  he  stand  out  when  the 
Sanhedrin    and    the    whole    people    require   the 
death  of  this   Man  ? 

First  Priest. 
What  does  the  life  of  a   Galilean   matter  to 
the  Governor?    Even  to  please  the  High  Priest, 

139 


Cfje   passion   piap 


who  is  of  importance  to  him,  he  will  not  hesi- 
tate to  allow  the  execution. 


SCENE  VII. 

The  End  of  Judas. 

[A  Woody  Scene.] 

Judas. 
Whither  shall  I  go  to  hide  my  infamy?  No 
forest  darkness  is  secret  enougli,  no  rocky  cavern 
deep  enough !  Swallow  me  up,  O  earth.  Alas, 
my  Master,  best  of  all  men,  have  I  sold — deliv- 
ered Him  up  to  ill-treatment — to  the  most 
agonizing  death  1  How  gracious  was  He  even 
towards  me !  How  lovingly  did  He  remind  me 
and  warn  me,  even  when  already  I  brooded 
over  my  treachery !  Execrable  covetousness, 
thou  alone  seduced  me !  Alas  !  now  no  longer  a 
disciple,  never  dare  I  again  come  into  the  pres- 
ence of  one  of  the  brethren.  An  outcast — every- 
where hated  and  abhorred,  even  by  those  who 
led  me  astray.  I  wander  about  alone  with  this 
glowing  fire  in  my  heart.  Alas !  if  I  could  only 
dare  again  to  behold  His  countenance,  I  might 
cling  to  Him — the  only  anchor  of  hope — but  He 
lies  in  prison,  is  perchance  already  put  to  death 
through  the  fury  of  His  enemies — ah !  no, 
through  my  guilt.  Woe  is  me,  the  offscouring 
of  mankind.      For  me   there  is   no   hope.     My 

140 


^i}t   passion   piap 


crime  can  no  longer  be  repaired  by  any  penitence. 
He  is  dead,  and  I  am  His  murderer.  Unhappy 
hour,  when  my  mother  bore  me.  Shall  I  any 
longer  bear  these  tortures?  No,  I  will  not  go 
a  step  further.  Here  will  I  breathe  thee  out — 
accursed  life.  Let  the  most  miserable  of  all  fruit 
hang  on  this  tree.  [He  tears  off  his  girdle.] 
Ha !  come,  thou  serpent,  twist  round  me,  strangle 
the  traitor.     [He  prepares  for  suicide.    The  cur- 


tain falls.] 


ACT  XI. 

Christ  Before  Pilate. 

[Hardly  zvcre  the  ivords  heard,  "Death  to  Him, 
the  enemy  of  Moses!"  than  they  arc  taken  up 
by  many  voices.  Thirsting  with  tiger-thirst  for 
the  Gentile  sentence,  ye  gather  tumultuoiisly  to- 
gether, take  council  unzvearyingly,  bring  accu- 
sation i{pon  accusation,  impatiently  expecting  the 
sentence  of  condemnation.  So  once  against 
Daniel  the  thousand-7'oiced  cry  arose:  "He  has 
destroyed  Baal!  Azvay  ivith  him  to  the  lions' 
den!  He  shall  be  their  prey!"  Alas!  wJien  de- 
ceiving misconceptions  have  found  entrance  into 
the  human  heart,  man  is  no  longer  himself.  In- 
justice becomes  to  him  virtue,  whilst  he  hates 
and  fights  against  virtue.] 

141 


Cibe   pa00ion   piap 


Chorus. 
"He  hath  blasphemed  God 
We  need  no  witness  more. 
Condemned   to   death 
By  law  is  He." 
So  rages  the   Sanhedrin, 
"Up !  we  will  hence  to  Pilate, 
Bring  our  complaints  before  him, 
Sentence  of  death  force  from  him." 

SIXTEENTH  TABLEAU :    Daniel  accmed 
before  Darius. 

Look  well  on  this  dumb  picture : — 

As  Daniel  erst  at  Babylon; 

God's  Son  they  falsely  now  accuse. 

"Foe  of  the  gods  is  Daniel ! 

O  King,  hear  thou  thy  people's  plaint: 

Great  Bel  hath  he  destroyed — 

The  priests  and  dragon  hath  he  slain. 

Furious  before  thy  throne 

Appears   all   Babylon. 

"The  people's  wrath  wilt  thou  escape? 
Then  give  to  death  the  god's  great  foe. 
Death  to  him !  Death  alone,  O  King 
Will  reconcile  our  gods  to  us." 

So  hastes  the  wicked  Sanhedrin 
In  furious  rage  to  Pilate, 
E'en  as  those  wretches  once  had  done; 

142 


C!)e   pa0$ion   piap 


And  with  wild  tumult  they  make  suit, 
With  tiger's  rage  and  lion's  wrath, 
That  Innocence  to  death  be  brought. 

O  Envy !     Satan's  offspring  vile, 
What  wilt  thou  not  begin — or  dare. 
To  satisfy  thy  rancor's  spite? 
To  thee,  naught  holy  is,  or  good; 
All  thou  dost  sacrifice  to  rage, 
And  to  thy  wicked  will. 

Woe  to  him  whom  this  passion  fierce 
Draws  to  itself  with  serpent-chains! 
'Gainst   envious   desires ; 
O  brother,  be  upon  your  guard, 
Nor  ever  let  this  viper  brood 
Nestle  within  your  hearts. 


SCENE  I. 

[Before  Pilate's  House.  On  the  left  the  San- 
hedrifi,  the  Traders  and  Witnesses;  on  the  right 
the  Band  of  Men  with  Jesus.] 

Band  of  Men. 

[Bringing  Jesus  forward]  Away  with  Thee 
to  death,  false  Prophet !  Ha !  Doth  it  terrify 
Thee,  that  Thou  wilt  not  come  forward! 

Selpha. 

Drive  Him  on  I 


Cbe   pa0$ion   pia? 


Band  of  Men. 
Must  we  carry  Thee  in  our  arms?     Get  on! 
Thy  journey   will   not   last   much  longer — only 
out   to   Calvary!     There,   on   the   Cross,   canst 
Thou  comfortably  rest ! 

Caiaphas. 
Be   quiet!     We  wish   to  have  ourselves   an- 
nounced.     [They  are   quiet. ^^      Ye  members  of 
the  Sanhedrin !     If  the  holy  teaching  inherited 
by  us,  if  our  honor,  if  the  peace  of  the  whole 
land  be  still  dear  to  you,  then  consider  well  this 
moment !     It  decides  between  us  and  that  De- 
ceiver!   If  ye  be  men,  in  whose  veins  still  flows 
the  blood  of  your  fathers,  then  hear  us !    An  im- 
perishable monument  will  ye  set  up   for  your- 
selves.   Be  firm  in  your  resolve ! 
The  Sanhedrin. 
Long  live  our  fathers !  Death  to  the  Enemy  of 
our  nation ! 

Caiaphas. 
Do  not  rest  till  He  be  blotted  out  of  the  num- 
ber of  the  living ! 

All. 
We  will  not  rest. 

Band  of  Men. 
Hearest  Thou,  O  King,  O  Prophet? 


SCENE  II. 

[Pilate   appears  with  Attendants  upon   his 
halcony.\ 

144 


Ci)e   l^assion   piap 


Caiaphas. 
[Bowing.]      Viceroy    of   the    great    Emperor 
of  Rome ! 

All. 
Health  and  blessings  attend  thee! 

Calaphas. 
We  have  broi;ght  a  Alan,  by  name  Jesus,   here 
before  thy  judgment  seat,  that  thou  mayest  have 
executed  the  sentence  of  death  pronounced  upon 
Him  by  the  Sanhedrin. 

Pilate. 
Bring  Him  forth.    What  accusations  bring  ye 
against  this  Man? 

Caiaphas. 
If  He  were  not  a  malefactor,  we  would  not 
have  delivered  Him  up  unto  thee,  but  have  pun- 
ished Him  ourselves  according  to  the  order  of 
our  law. 

Pilate. 
Now,  what  evil  deeds  hath  He  committed? 

Caiaphas. 
He  hath,  in  manifold  ways,  gravely  offended 
against  the  holy  law  of  Israel. 

Pilate. 
Then  take  ye  Him  and  judge  Him  according 
to  your  law. 

Annas. 
He   hath   already   been   judged   by   the   San- 
hedrin  and   declared   guilty  of  death. 
All  the  Priests. 
For  according  to  our  law  Pie  hath  deserved 
death. 

.145 


Ct)e  lpaj5$ion  piag 


Caiaphas. 
But  it  is  not  lawful  for  us  to  put  a  man  to 
death.     Therefore  we  bring  the  demand  for  the 
fulfillment  of  the  sentence  before  the  Viceroy 
of  the  Emperor. 

Pilate. 
How  can  I  deliver  a  man  to  death  without  I 
know   his  crime,  and  before  I   have  convinced 
myself  that  the  crime  is  worthy  of  death?    What 
hath  he  done? 

Rabbi. 
The  judgment  of  the  Council  against  this  Man 
was  given  with  one  voice,  and  grounded  upon 
an  exact  examination  of  His  crime.  Therefore 
it  does  not  seem  necessary  that  the  noble  Gover- 
nor should  give  himself  the  trouble  of  a  second 
inquiry. 

Pilate. 
What?  Ye  dare  to  suggest  to  me,  who  stand 
in  the  Emperor's  place,  that  I  should  be  a  blind 
tool  for  the  execution  of  your  resolve?  That 
be  far  from  me.  I  must  know  what  law  He  hath 
transgressed,  and  in  what  manner. 

Caiaphas. 
We  have  a  law,  and  by  our  law  He  ought  to 
die,  because  He  made  Himself  the  Son  of  God. 

Annas. 
Therefore  must  we  insist  that  He  sufifer  the 
lawful  punishment  of  death. 

Pilate. 
On  account  of  such  a  speech,  which  at  worst 
is  only  the  dream  of  a  fanciful  imagination,  a 

146 


Cfje   passion   piap 


Roman  can  find  no  one  guilty  of  death.  Who 
knows,  too,  if  this  Man  be  not  the  Son  of  some 
god  ?  If  YOU  have  no  other  crime  to  lay  to  His 
charge  do  not  expect  that  I  shall  fulfill  your 
desire. 

Caiaphas. 

Not   merely    against   our   holy    law.   but    also 

against  the  law  of  the  Emperor  has   this  Man 

been  guilty  of  grave  crimes.     We  have   found 

Him  an  insurgent  and  a  deceiver  of  the  people. 

All. 
He  stirreth  up  the  people ;  He  is  a  rebel ! 

Pilate. 
I  have  indeed  heard  of  One,  Jesus,  Who 
goeth  about  the  land  and  teacheth  and  doeth 
marvelous  works ;  but  never  have  I  heard  of  any 
insurrection  stirred  up  by  Him.  If  anything  of 
the  sort  had  happened  I  should  have  known  it 
before  you,  since  I  am  placed  in  this  country 
for  the  administration  of  peace,  and  am  perfectly 
informed  concerning  the  doings  and  practice  of 
the  Jews.  But  say,  when  and  v^here  did  He 
stir  up  an  insurrection? 

Nathaniel. 
He  brings  troops  of  the  people  in  thousands 
around   Him,   and   just   a   short  time  ago,   sur- 
rounded by  such  a  crowd,  He  made  a  solemn 
entry  into  Jerusalem  itself. 

Pilate. 
I  know  it;  but  nothing  seditious  was  caused 
by  it. 

147 


C&e   passion   pia? 


Caiaphas. 
Is  it  not  seditious  when  He  forbids  the  people 
to  give  tribute  to  Caesar  ? 

Pilate. 
Where  is  your  proof? 

Caiaphas. 
Proof  sufficient,   since  He  gives  Himself  out 
for  the  Messiah,  the  King  of  Israel.    Is  not  that 
a  challenge  for  the  downfall  of  the  Emperor? 

Pilate. 
I  marvel  at  your  suddenly-aroused  zeal  for  the 
authority  of  Caesar.  [To  Christ.]  Hearest 
Thou  what  heavy  complaints  these  bring  against 
Thee?  What  answerest  Thou?  [Christ  is 
silent.] 

Caiaphas. 
His  silence  is  a  confession  of  His  crime. 

All. 
[Making  a  tumult.]     Sentence  Him,  then! 

Pilate. 
Patience!  there  is  time  enough  for  that.  I 
will  take  Him  apart  for  a  private  hearing.  [To 
his  Attendants.]  Perchance  when  He  is  no 
longer  affrighted  by  the  crowd  and  the  fury  of 
His  accusers,  He  will  speak  and  answer  me.  Let 
Him  be  brought  into  the  porch.  [To  the  Serv- 
ant] Go,  my  soldiers  will  take  charge  of  Him, 
[To  the  Members  of  the  Council]  And  ye,  con- 
sider once  again  the  ground,  or  want  of  ground, 
for  your  complaints,  and  examine  well  whether 
they  do  not,  perchance,  spring  from  an  impure 

148 


Clje   J9a0Sion   Iplap 


source.      Let   me    then    know    your   sentiments. 
[Turns  away  from  them.] 

Rabbi. 
[Going  azvay]  This  is  a  troublesome  delay. 

Caiaphas. 
Do  not  lose  courage.     Victory  belongs  to  the 
steadfast. 


SCENE  III. 

[Pilate  and  Attendants.  Christ  is  brought 
forth  upon  the  balcony.] 

Pilate. 

[To  Christ]  Thou  hast  heard  the  accusation 
of  the  Council  against  Thee.  Give  me  an  answer 
thereto!  Thou  hast,  they  say,  called  Thyself 
the  Son  of  God.  Whence  art  Thou?  [Christ 
is  silent.]  Speakest  Thou  not  unto  me?  Know- 
est  Thou  not  that  I  have  power  to  crucify  Thee, 
and  have  power  to  release  Thee  ? 

Christ. 

Thou  couldst  have  no  power  at  all  against 
me  except  it  were  given  thee  from  above. 
Therefore  he  that  delivered  me  unto  thee  hath 
the  greater  sin. 

Pilate. 

[Aside]  Frankly  spoken.  [To  Christ]  Art 
Thou  the  King  of  the  Jews  ? 

Christ. 

Sayest  thou  this  thing  of  thyself,  or  did  others 
tell  it  thee  of  Me  ? 

149 


Cbe   passion   piap 


Pilate. 
Am  I  a  Jew  ?    Thine  own  nation  and  the  chief 
priests  have  deHvered  Thee  unto  me.     The}'  ac- 
cuse Thee,   that   Thou   hast  desired   to   be   the 
King  of  Israel.     What  hast  Thou  done? 

Christ. 
My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.    If  my  king- 
dom were  of  this  world,  then  would  my  serv- 
ants fight,  that  I  should  not  be  delivered  to  the 
Jews ;  but  now  is  my  kingdom  not  from  hence. 

Pilate. 
Art  Thou  a  King,  then? 

Christ. 

Thou  sayest  it.     I  am  a  King.     To  this  end 

was  I  born  and  for  this  cause  came  I  into  the 

world,  that  I  should  bear  witness  unto  the  truth. 

Every  one  that  is  of  the  truth  heareth  My  voice. 

Pilate. 
What  is  truth? 


SCENE  IV. 

[Enter  Servant  of  Pilate.] 
Servant. 

My  Lord,  thy  consort  greeteth  thee,  and  ear- 
nestly prays  thee,  for  the  sake  of  thine  own  and 
her  welfare,  that  thou  wouldst  have  nothing  to  do 
with  that  Just  Man,  Who  has  been  accused  be- 
fore thy  judgment  seat.  She  has  suffered  an- 
guish and  terror  this  night  in  a  fearful  dream 
because  of  Him. 

150 


C6e   pa00iott   piap 


Pilate. 
Go  hence  and  tell  her  that  she  may  be  without 
anxiety.     I  will  take  no  part  in  the  attempts  of 
the  Jews,  but  rather  do  everything  to  save  Him. 


SCENE  V. 

Pilate. 

{To  his  Attendants]  I  would  that  I  knew  noth- 
ing of  this  matter.     What  think  ye,  my  friends, 
of  the  complaints  of  the  Jewish  Priests  ? 
First  Courtier. 

They  are  only  impelled  by  envy  and  jealousy. 
The  most  passionate  hatred  expresses  itself  in 
their  words  and  their  mien. 

Second  Courtier. 

The  hypocrites  pose  as  though  they  had  the 
authority  of  the  Emperor  much  at  heart,  while 
there  is  no  question  except  of  their  own  author- 
ity, which  they  believe  endangered  through  this 
famous  Teacher  of  the  people. 

Pilate. 

I  think  as  you  do.  I  cannot  believe  that  this 
Man  hath  criminal  plans  in  His  mind.  There  is 
something  so  noble  in  His  features  and  His  de- 
meanor. His  words  also  exhibit  such  a  noble 
frankness  and  high  endowments,  that  He  ap- 
pears to  me  to  be  far  more  likely  a  very  wise 
Man — perchance,  too  wise,  for  these  gloomy 
men  to  bear  the  light  of  His  wisdom.  And  the 
sorrowful  dream  of  my  consort  concerning  Him  ? 

.151 


Cf)e   Pa00ion    piap 


If,  perchance.  He  were  truly  of  a  higher  origin  ? 
No,  I  will  by  no  means  permit  myself  to  meet  the 
wishes  of  the  priesthood.  [To  the  S enfant] 
Let  the  High  Priests  again  appear  here,  and  let 
the  Accused  be  again  led  from  the  judgment 
hall.     [Exit  the  Seit'ant.] 


SCENE  VI. 

[The  saute.      The  Sanhedrin  under  the  Bal- 
cony.] 

Pilate. 
Here  ye  have   your    Prisoner   again.     He   is 
without   fault. 

Annas. 
We  have  the  Emperor's  word  that  our  law 
shall  be  uprightly  maintained.     How  can  He  be 
found  without  guilt  Who  trod  under  foot  this 
same  law? 

All. 
He  is  guilty  of  death ! 

Caiaphas. 
Is   He  not   also  punishable   by  the  Emperor 
when  He  has  maliciously  injured  that  which  the 
Emperor's  will  has  secured  to  us  ? 

Pilate. 
I  have  told  you  already :  if  He  hath  committed 
anything  against  your  law,  then  punish  Him  ac- 
cording to  your  law  so  far  as  ye  are  authorized 
thereto.      I   cannot  prot'ounce   the    sentence  of 

152 


Cije   passion   piap 


death  upon  Him  because  I  find  nothing  in  Him 
which,  after  the  law  by  which  I  have  to  judge 
Him,  deserveth  death. 

Caiaphas. 
If  any  one  giveth  himself  out   as  a  king,  is 
he  not  a  rebel?     Doth  he  not  deserve  the  pun- 
ishment  of   high     treason — the     punishment    of 
death  ? 

Pilate. 
If  this  Man  hath  called  Himself  a  King,  this 
ambiguous  word  merely  doth  not  justify  me  in 
condemning  Him.  With  us  it  is  openly  taught 
that  every  wise  man  is  a  king.  But  ye  have 
brought  forward  no  facts  as  to  His  usurping 
kingly  power. 

Nathaniel. 
Is  it  not  fact  enough  when  He  stirreth  up  the 
people,    teaching    throughout    all    Jewry   begin- 
ning from  Galilee,  where  He  first  gathered  fol- 
lowers together,  to  this  place. 

Pilate. 
Hath  He  come  out  of  Galilee? 

All, 
Yea,  He  is  a  Galilean. 

Rabbi. 
His  home  is  Nazareth,  in  King  Herod's  jur- 
isdiction. 

Pilate. 

If  that  be  so,  T  am  spared  the  office  of  judge. 

Herod,  the  King  of  Galilee,  has  come  hither  to 

the  Feast;  he  may  now  judge  his  subject.  Take 

Him  away,  and  bring  Him  to  His  king.     He 

153 


Cfte   pa00ion   pia^ 


shall   be    conducted   by    my   bodyguard.     [Exit 
with  his  Attendants.] 

Caiaphas. 

Away,  then  to  Herod.  With  him  who  pro- 
fesses himself  of  the  faith  of  our  fathers  shall 
we  find  better  protection  for  our  holy  law. 

All. 

[To  Christ.]  An  hour  sooner  or  later.  But 
Thou  must  come  to  it.  To-day  also!  [Exit 
all.] 


ACT  XII. 

Christ  Before  Herod. 

Prologue. 

[He,  the  most  loving,  meets  zvith  fresh  out- 
rages before  Herod,  because  He  does  not  flat- 
teringly exercise  the  gifts  of  a  seer  before  that 
imn  prince;  or  tvork  miracles.  Therefore  is 
wisdom  itself  by  fools  despised  as  a  fool,  ar- 
rayed in  a  zi'hite  garment,  set  forth  as  a  spec- 
tacle for  a  short  time  to  the  mocking  servants 
of  the  king.  Samson,  the  dread  hero-youth,  now 
bereft  of  eyesight  and  fettered,  is  laughed  at 
and  despised  for  his  zwakness  by  the  Philis- 
tines. Yet,  He  who  noiv  seems  weak  ivill  show 
forth  strength.  He  who  seems  cast  down  will 
shine  forth  in  greatness.  Above  worthless  scorn 
Virtue  reigns  sublime.] 

154 


Cl)c   ipassion    piap 


Chorus. 
In  vain  within  the  judgment-hall  shoots  forth 
W'Wd  hate,  the  glowing  flames  of  calumny. 
To  meet  them  comes  the  Judge  unwavering; 
The  foe's  wrath  breaks  upon  his  steadfastness. 
Yet  rest  they  not — Sadly  we  must  follow 
Jesus  to  Herod. 

There,  ah.  with  mournful  hearts  we  see 
Fresh  shame  prepared  for  Him. 

SEVENTEENTH     TABLEAU:       Samson 
making  sport  for  the  Philistines. 

Chorus. 

See  Samson :     See  how  the  strong  hand 
The  chains  of  slavery  must  bear; 

The  hero,  who  a  thousand  slew, 

Slave's  garb  of  scorn  he  now  must  wear. 

So  dreadful  once  to  enemies, 
He  serves  as  aim  for  all  their  scorn; 
Philistines  use  him  for  their  sport, 
Rejoice  themselves  in  his  decay. 

Thus  Jesus,  God's  own  Son,  doth  stand — 
The  gazing-stock  of   haughty   fools, 
Reviled,  derided,  in  white  robes, 
And  overwhclm'd  with  spite  and  scorn. 

I.5.S 


Cfje   pa0Siou   piap 


SCENE  I. 
Herod  and  His  Court. 

[A  Hall]. 

Herod. 

So  they  have  the  renowned  Magician  Jesus  of 
Nazareth  as  prisoner  with  them.  Of  a  long 
season  have  1  been  desirous  to  see  Him  of  whose 
works  so  much  is  spoken.  I  will  prove  His  mir- 
aculous power. 

Courtier. 

He  will  surely  be  willing  and  ready,  O  King, 
to  show  forth  His  works  to  thee  in  order  to 
gain  thy  favor  against  His  accusers. 

Herod. 
They  may  bring  their  accusations  before  Pi- 
late; I  have  nothing  to  examine  here,  and  noth- 
ing to  pronounce. 

Courtier. 
Perchance  the  Governor  has  sent  them  away, 
and  now  they  seek  to  attain  their  end  in  another 
way. 

Herod. 
I  will  not  meddle  with  their  pious  squabbles, 
I  will  only  see  Him  and  prove  His  miraculous 
powers. 

156 


Cbe   passion   piap 


SCENE  II. 

Caiaphas^  Annas,  Priests.      Christ  Led  by 

Soldiers. 

[The  Same.] 

Caiaphas. 
Most  mighty  king. 

All  the  Priests. 
Hail  and  blessing. 

Caiaphas. 
The    Sanhedrin    has    seized    a    Seducer    and 
brings  Him  before  the  king  for  confirmation  of 
the   lawful   punishment. 

Herod. 
How  can  I  give  judgment  in  a  foreign  terri- 
tory?   [To  Christ.]      Give  us  a  proof  of  Thy 
learning,  we  will  then  together  with  the  people 
honor  Thee  and  believe  on  Thee. 

Priests. 
O  King,  let  not  thyself  be  led  astray.     He  is 
in  covenant  with  Beelzebub. 

Herod. 
It  is  the  same  to  me.  Tell  me,  what  did  I 
dream  last  night?  [Christ  is  silent.]  Per- 
chance Thou  canst  interpret  to  me  my  dream. 
[He  relates  it.  Christ  answers  not.]  Thou  art 
not  well  skilled  in  this  line  of  business?  Then 
cause  that  this  hall  may  suddenly  become  dark, 

?57 


CJ)e   pa00ion    piap 


change  that  roll  there,  which  contains  Thy  sen- 
tence, into  a  serpent.  [To  his  Courtiers.]  He 
knows  nothing  and  can  do  nothing.  He  is  a  fool 
whom  the  applause  of  the  people  has  made 
crazy.     [To  Itis  Priests.]     Let  Him  go. 

Caiaphas. 
O  King,  trust  Him  not.     He  only  pretends  to 
be  a  fool  in  order  to  get  a  mild  sentence  from 
thee  by  artifice. 

Annas. 
Even  the  person  of  the  king  is  in  danger,  for 
He  has  given  Himself  out  as  a  King. 

Herod. 

He.     As  a  King?     As  a  King  of  fools.     As 

such  He  deserves  homage,  therefore  will  I  give 

Him  a  King's  robe  and  formally  instal  Him  as 

King  of  fools.     [He  makes  a  sign  to  a  Serz'ant.] 

Priests. 
Not  so,  He  hath  deserved  death. 

Caiaphas. 
O  King,  think  upon  thy  duty  to  punish  the 
transgressor  of  the  law. 

Herod. 
What  have  ye  exactly  against  Him? 

Herod. 
He  hath  profaned  the  Sabbath. 

'Nathaniel. 
He  hath  blasphemed  God. 
Priests. 
He   hath    declared   tliat   he   will    destroy   the 
Temple  and  in  three  davs  will  build  it  up. 

158 


Cf)c   lg)as$ion   piap 


Herod. 
Well,  He  hath  rightly  proved  Himself  a  King 
of  fools. 

Priest. 
He   hath    so    far   presumed,    O    King,    as   to 
call  thee  a  fox. 

Herod. 
Then  has  He  laid  to  my  door  a  quality  which 
entirely  suits  Himself.     \A  Scrz'cmt  comes  with 
a  robe]     Array  Him.     Thus  shall  He  play  His 
part  amongst  the  people. 

Priests. 
He  shall  die. 

Herod. 
No,  I  will  not  shed  the  blood  of  so  exalted 
a  King.  Bring  Him  before  the  people  that  they 
may  marvel  at  Him  to  their  heart's  desire.  [The 
Soldiers  lead  Jesus  azvay  amidst  mocking 
words.] 


SCENE  HI. 

Caiaphas. 
Thou   seest  now,   O   King,   that   His   mighty 
works  are  nothing  but  lies  and  deceit,  by  which 
He  has  seduced  the  people ;  give  then  thy  sen- 
tence. 

Herod. 
My  sentence  is :     He  is  a  simple  fellow,  and 
not  capable  of  the   crime  of  w^hich  ye   accuse 
Him. 

159 


Clje   paggion   pia? 


Caiaphas. 

0  King,  give  heed  that  thou  deceive  not  thy- 
self. 

Herod. 
One  must  deal  with  fools  as  fools.    My  court 
of  justice  is  over. 

Rabbi. 
So  this  has  come  to  pass  concerning  the  law, 
Moses,  and  the  prophets. 

Herod. 

1  hold  by  my  sentence.  I  am  weary,  and  will 
no  longer  meddle  with  the  story.  Pilate  may 
decide  according  to  the  duty  of  his  office.  Of- 
fer him  greeting  and  friendly  salutation  from 
King  Herod,      [Exit  the  Priest.] 


SCENE  IV. 

Herod. 
I  was  mistaken.    Instead  of  a  worker  of  mir- 
acles, I  found  a  quite  ordinary  man. 

Courtier. 
How  doth  lying  report  know  how  to  embellish 
things. 

Herod. 
Friend,  that  is  no  John.     John  spake  with  a 
wisdom  and  power  which  one  was  forced  to  es- 
teem, but  this  Man  is  as  dumb  as  a  fish. 

Courtier. 
I  am  only  surprised  at  the  bitter  hatred  of  the 
Priests  against  Him, 

1 60 


Cf)e    passion    piaj> 


Herod. 
If  Pilate  had  found  Him  a  State  Criminal  he 
would  not  have  Him  sent  to  me ;  but  enough  of 
this  matter,  we  will  make  amends  for  lost  time 
by  better  entertainment. 


ACT  XHI. 

The  Scourging  and  Crown  of  Thorns. 

[Alas,  what  a  sight  here  presents  itself  to  our 
eyes,  ever  to  be  contemplated  by  the  disciples  of 
Christ!  The  body  of  the  Lord  zvounded  all  over 
zvith  inmimerable  blozi'S  of  the  scourge.  His 
head  crowned  with  a  sharp,  thorny  wreath!  His 
countenance  scarcely  recognizable,  running  down 
with  blood,  who  would  not  here  shed  a  tear  of 
inmost  pity?  When  our  father  Jacob  beheld  the 
bloody  coat  of  his  beloved  son,  how  did  he  trem- 
ble and  weep,  full  of  sorrozu,  giving  way  to 
heart-rending  cries  of  grief!  Let  us  also  weep 
zvhen  we  see  the  Divine  Friend  of  our  sold  en- 
dure such  things,  for  ah!  on  accoimt  of  our  sins 
is  He  zvounded  and  torn.] 

Solo. 
Not  yet  have  they  from  raging  ceased — 
Nor  is  their  thirst  for  vengeance  stilled ; 
Only  in  thought  of  murder  broods 
The  band,  with  Satan's  hatred  fill'd. 

i6i 


C&e   passion   piap 


Chorus. 
Can  nought  e'er  soften  their  hard  hearts? 
iNot  e'en  by  body,  scourged  and  torn? 
And  marred  by  wounds  innumberable? 
Can  sympathy  ne'er  again  be  born? 

EIGHTEENTH       TABLEAU:       Joseph's 
Brethren  bringing  his  bloody  coat  to  Jacob. 

Chorus. 
O,  what  a  scene  of  horror  here ! 
The  coat  of  Joseph  stained  with  blood, 
And  Jacob's  aged  cheeks  are  wet 
With  deepest  grief  and  bitter  tear. 

"Where  is  my  Joseph?    all  my  joy — 
In  whose  sweet  eyes  mine  found  their  rest? 
Ah,  woe ;  his  blood  drips  from  this  coat, 
The  coat  of  my  beloved  child. 

"A  wild  beast  must  have  mangled  him 
Torn  him,  my  darling.     Ah,  alas ! 
Thee,  Joseph,  will  I  follow  soon 
My  pain  no  comfort  can  assuage." 
Thus  mourns  he — thus  doth  he  lament 
For  Joseph — (that  he  is  no  more 
Thus   Jesus's   body   will   be   torn 
His   Precious    blood 
In  streams  from  every  wound  will  flow. 

NINETEENTH  TABLEAU:     The  Sacrifice 
of  Isaac. 

162 


Cf)e   lg>aggion   piag 

"Abraham,  Abraham,  slay  him  not 

Thy  faith  hath" — thus  saith 

Jehovah — "given  up  thine  only  son 

Thine  now  again — for  nations  weal  shall  live." 

Within  the  thicket  Abraham  saw 
A  ram  caught  on  the  thorny  shoots 
He  took  and  quickly  ofifered  it 
Jehovah's  chosen  sacrifice. 

This  type  doth  show  a  mystery  great 

Still  veiled  in  holy  twilight  drear. 

As  once  jNIoriah's  sacrifice 

The  thorn-crowned  Christ  will  soon  appear. 

The  Thorn-Crowned  One  gave  up  His  life 
An  offering  by  the  Father's  will. 
Where  can  we  find  a  love  that  is 
Equal  to  this  great  love  of  His? 


SCENE  I. 

[Caiaphas,  Annas,  the  Council,  the  Traders 
and  tlie  l^Vitnesses  appear  a^s^ain  ivith  Christ,  led 
by  Soldiers,  before  Pilate's  house.] 

Caiaphas. 
Now  must  we  tlie  more  importunately  chal- 
lenge Pilate,  and  if  he  does  not  judge  after  our 
will,  then   shall   the   authority  of  the   Emperor 
force  the  sentence  from  him. 

163 


Clie   pa00ion   piap 


Annas. 
Shall  I  now  in  my  old  age  see  the  synagogue 
destroyed?  But  no,  with  stammering  tongue 
will  I  call  for  blood  and  death  upon  this  Crim- 
inal, and  then  descend  to  my  father's  sepulchre 
if  I  can  see  this  Malefactor  die  upon  the  cross. 

Rabbi. 
We  will  sooner  allow  ourselves  to  be  buried 
beneath  the  ruins  of  the  Temple  than  go  back 
from  our   resolve. 

Pharisees. 
We  must  not  give  it  up  until  He  be  given  up 
to  death. 

Caiaphas. 
He  who  does  not  stand  by  this  resolution  let 
him  be  put  out  of  the  synagogue. 

Annas. 
Let  the  curse  of  our  fathers  light  upon  Him. 

Caiaphas. 
Time  presses,  the  day  wears  on,   now  must 
all  means  be  employed  that  even  to-day  before 
the  feast  our  will  shall  be  accomplished. 


SCENE  n. 

(Pilate  appears    ivith    Attendants  upon  the 
balcony.] 

Caiaphas. 
We  bring  the  Prisoner  once  more  before  thy 
judgment-seat,  and  earnestly  require  His  death. 

164 


Clje    pa0Sion    pun? 


Priests  and  Pharisees. 
We  insist  upon  it !     He  must  die ! 

Pilate. 
Ye  have  brouglit  this  Man  unto  me  as  one 
that  perverteth  the  people ;  and  behold,  I,  hav- 
ing examined  Plim  before  you,  have  found  no 
fault  in  this  Man  touching-  those  things  where- 
of ye  accuse  liim. 

Caiaphas. 
We  stand  by  our  accusation.     He  is  a  Crim- 
inal worthy  of  death. 

Priest. 
A  Criminal  against  our  law  and  against  the 
Emperor, 

Pilate. 
Because  He  is  a  Galilean,  I  have  sent  him  to 
Herod.     Have  ye  then  brought  forward  accusa- 
tions? 

Caiaphas. 
Yea,   Herod   would   decide    nothing,  because 
here  thou  art  in  authority. 

Pilate. 
He  also   found   nothing  worthy  of  death   in 
Him,  therefore,  in  order  to  meet  your  demands, 
I    will    cause    this    Man    to    be    chastised    with 
scourging;  but  then  release  Him. 

Annas. 
That  sufficeth  not ! 

Caiaphas. 
The  law  doth  not  award  to  such  a  Criminal 
the  punishment  of  scourging,  but  that  of  death. 

165 


Cfie   Pa00ion    puip 


Priests. 
To  death  with  Him ! 

Pilate. 
Is  your  hatred  against  this  Man  so  deep  and 
bitter  that  it  cannot  be  satisfied  by  blood  from 
His  wounds?  Ye  force  me  to  say  openly  to  you 
that  which  I  think.  1\  Loved  by  ignoble  passion 
ye  persecute  Him,  because  the  people  are  better 
inclined  to  Him  than  to  you.  I  have  long 
enough  heard  your  hateful  accusations,  I  will 
now  hear  the  voice  of  the  people.  A  countless 
multitude  will  soon  assemble  here,  in  order  after 
ancient  custom,  to  request  the  release  of  a  pris- 
oner at  the  feast  of  the  Passover.  Then  will  it 
be  shown  whether  your  accusations  are  the  ex- 
pression of  the  people's  mind  or  only  of  your 
personal  hatred. 

Caiaphas. 
It  will  be  shown,  O  Governor,  that  thou  un- 
justly thinkest  evil  of  us. 

Priest. 
Truly,  not  hatred  but  holy  zeal  for  the  law  of 
God  is  it  which  moves  us  to  desire  His  death. 

Pilate. 
Ye  know  of  the  Murderer  Barabbas,  who  lies 
in  fetters,  and  of  his  evil  deeds.  I  will  give  the 
people  the  choice  between  him  and  Jesus  of 
Nazareth.  Him  whom  they  desire  will  I  re- 
lease. 

All. 
Release  Barabbas  unto  us  and  crucify  Jesus. 

i66 


Cf)C    l^a00ion    piap 


Pilate. 
Ye  are  not  the  people ;  the  people  will  speak 
for  themselves.  Meanwhile  I  will  chastise  Him. 
[To  a  Scn'ant.]  Let  the  soldiers  lead  Him  away 
and  scourge  Him  after  the  Roman  law.  [To 
those  around  him.]  Whatsoever  He  hath  done 
amiss  will  thereby  be  sufficiently  expiated  and 
perchance  the  sight  of  the  scourged  One  may 
mitigate  the  wrath  of  His  enemies.  [Exit  zvith 
Attendants.] 


SCENE  HI. 

[The   Priests,    etc.,    beneath    the   empty   bal- 
cony.] 

Caiaphas. 
Pilate  appeals  to  the  voice  of  the  people.  Good ! 
We  will  appeal  to  the  same.  [To  the  Traders 
and  Witnesses.]  Now,  gallant  Israelites,  your 
time  has  come.  Go  hence  into  the  streets  of  Je- 
rusalem and  summon  your  friends  to  come  hith- 
er. Bring  them  together  in  a  close  band !  In- 
flame them  with  the  most  fiery  hatred  against 
the  Enemy  of  Moses.  Seek  to  win  the  weak- 
minded  by  the  power  of  your  words,  and  by 
promises.  Terrify  the  followers  of  the  Galilean 
by  a  united  outcry  against  them,  by  insult  and 
storm,  and,  if  it  must  be,  through  ill-treatment, 
so  that  none  of  them  may  dare  to  let  themselves 
be  seen  here,  much  less  to  open  their  mouths. 

167 


Traders  and  Witnesses. 
We  will  hasten  hence  and  quickly  return,  each 
one  at  the  head  of  an  inflamed  troop. 

Caiaphas. 
We  Avill  all  assemble  in  the  street  of  the  San- 
hedrin.     [Exit  the  Traders.    The  Priests  call  af- 
ter them,-" Hail,  true  Disciples  of  Moses!"] 

Caiaphas. 
Let  us  now  not  delay  a  moment !     Let  us  go 
to  meet  the  different  bands  to  encourage  them, 
and  to  inflame  them ! 

Annas. 
From  all  the  streets  of  Jerusalem  we  will  then 
bring   the   assembled    people   before    the   judg- 
ment-seat. 

Rabbi. 
Since  Pilate  wishes  to  hear  the  voice  of  the 
people,  let  him  hear  it. 

Caiaphas. 
Let  him  hear  the  cry  of  the  nation  with  one 
voice.     Release  unto  us  Barabbas,   and  crucify 
the  Galilean. 

All. 
Release   unto   us    Barabbas,   and   crucify   the 
Galilean. 


SCENE  IV. 

[Christ  stripped  of  His  garments  and  His 
hands  bound  to  a  loiv  pillar.  Around  Him  the 
Soldiers.  ] 

1 68 


C6c    passion    Idla^ 


Soldiers. 

[One  after  aJiofher.]  Now  hath  He  enough, 
He  is  all  running  clown  with  blood.  You  poor 
King  of  the  Jews!  But  what  a  head?  That 
can  be  mended.  I  will  at  once  fetch  the  ensigns 
of  the  Jewish  kingdom.  [He  brings  a  purple 
robe,  the  crozvn  of  thorns,  and  the  reed.\  Here!' 
That  is  truly  a  most  fair  adornment  for  the  King 
of  the  Jews  I  Thou  didst  not  expect  such  honor, 
didst  Thou?  Come,  let  the  purple  robe  fall 
around  Thee :  but  sit  down — a  King  must  not 
stand.  And  here  is  a  fine  pointed  crown!  [They 
put  it  on  Him,]  Show  Thyself!  [Laughter.] 
In  order,  however,  that  it  fall  not  from  His 
head,  it  must  be  firmly  set  on.  Here,  brother, 
help  me !  [Four  Soldiers  -take  hold  of  the  ends 
of  tzvo  staves  and  press  dourn  the  crozmt.  Christ 
shrinks  in  pain.]  Here  is  Thy  sceptre!  Now, 
nothing  more  is  wanted  to  Thee.  What  a 
King!  [They  kneel  before  Him.]  Hail,  mighty 
King  of  the  Jews ! 

Servant  of  Pilate. 

[Coming  in.]  The  Prisoner  must  immediate- 
ly be  brought  to  the  judgment-hall. 

Soldiers. 

Thou  comest  at  a  wrong  time,  thou  hast  dis- 
turbed us  in  the  midst  of  our  marks  of  rever- 
ence. Get  up !  They  want  to  carry  Thee  about 
for  a  show.  There  will  be  rejoicing  amongst 
the  people  of  the  Jews  when  their  King  appears 
before  them  in  fullest  pomp.     [Exit  ztnth  Jesus.] 

169 


Clje   pa00ion   piap 


ACT  XIV. 

Jesus  Condemned  to  Death. 

[The  Redeemer  stands  forth,  an  image  of  sor- 
rozv.  Himself  moved  zvitli  compassion,  Pilate 
brings  Him  forth.  Hast  thou  then  no  pity,  O 
befooled,  deceived  people?  No!  Seized  zmth 
madness,  they  cry  Crucify  Him/  They  demand 
torture  and  death  for  the  Holiest,  and  pardon 
for  the  murderer,  Barabbas.  0  hozv  different- 
ly did  Joseph  once  stand  before  the  people  of 
Egypt!  Songs  of  gladness  and  jubilation 
sounded  in  His  ears ;  He  zvas  solemnly  installed 
as  the  Savior  of  Egypt.  But  around  Him,  Sazr- 
ior  of  the  zvorld,  rages  a  deceived  people,  zuho 
rest  not  and  cease  not  until  the  judge  unzvilling- 
ly  pronounces :    Take  ye  Him  and  crucify  Hirn.] 

Chorus. 
O  see  the  King!  See  Him  in  scorn 
As  monarch — crowned — with  what  a  crown ! 
And  with  what  sceptre  in  his  hand ! 
See  Him  in  purple  robe  array'd 
Yea,  and  with  crimson  rays  bedeck'd. 
Is  that  the  festal  garb  of  Kings? 
Where  is  in  Him  the  Godhead's  mark? 
Behold  the  Alan! 
A  worm — the  scorn  of  hangmen  now. 

170 


Cf)e    passion    piap 


TWENTIETH    TABLEAU:    Joseph   made 
Governor  of  Egypt. 

See,  what  a  man ! 

Jesus  brought  forth  for  sympathy. 

Behold  the  man ! 

Joseph  is  called  to  dignity — • 

Loud  shall  it  ring  through  Egypt's  coasts: 

"Live  Joseph  long!  both  high  and  great!" 

A  thousand  times  shall  it  resound 

"Father  of  Egypt !— friend  to  all!" 
And  all  unite,  both  great  and  small. 

In  our  triumphant  jubilee. 

Of  Egypt,  thou  the  stay  and  joy — 

And  blessing,  such  as  ne'er  has  been 

Joseph,  to-day  doth  Egypt  bring. 

Loud  shall  it  ring  through  Egypt's  coasts,  etc. 

Tlie  country's  second  father,  he 

Now  reigns  within  our  realm  and  hearts! 

The  land  her  grateful  homage  pays. 

Hail  to  him !     Eg^'pt's  pride  and  joy ! 

Loud  shall  it  ring  through  Egypt's  coasts,  etc. 

TWENTY-FIRST  TABLEAU:      The    goat 

sacrificed  as  a  sin  offering. 


Cibe   passion   piai? 


Chorus. 
The  ancient  covenants  offering  this, 
As  God  ordain'd  it  should  be  brought. 
Two  goats  before  His  altar  placed 
And  then  on  one  doth  fall  the  lot 
The  one  God  for  Himself  hath  chosen 
Jehovah !  through  blood-offering 
Again  be  to   Thy   people   good ! 

The  blood  of  goats  the  Lord  doth  virill 

No  more  in  the  new  Covenant ; 

New  sacrifice  He  doth  require. 

A  Lamb  from  every  blemish  free 
Must  for  this  covenant  offering  be. 

His  only  Son  the  Lord  demands. 

He  Cometh  quickly — falls — and  bleeds. 

[A  double  Chorus  nozv  begins  the  singing  al- 
ternately, nnth  the  People  in  the  streets  of  Je- 
rusalem behind  the  scenes.] 

Chorus. 
A  murderous  cry  e'en  now  I  hear! 

People. 
Barabbas  be 
From  fetters  free! 

Chorus. 
No !  Jesus  be 
From  fetters  free! 
Wild  rings  alas !  the  murderer's  cry. 

People. 
To   the   Cross   with   Him 
To  the  Cross  with  Him! 

172 


Cl)e   passion    piap 


Chorus. 
Behold  Him !  ah !  behold  ye  Him ! 
What  evil  ever  hath  He  done? 

People. 
If  thou  release  this  wretched  One, 
Then  art  thou  not  great  Caesar's  friend. 

Chorus. 
Jerusalem !  Jerusalem ! 

The   blood    of    His    Son   will   the    Lord   yet 
avenge  on  you ! 

People. 
His  blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children ! 

Chorus. 
Be  it  then  upon  you  and  on  your  children ! 


SCENE  I. 

[Three  bands  of  people  each  headed  by 
Priests  and  Pharisees  enter  from  the  three 
streets  of  Jerusalem.  Traders  and  Witnesses 
in  each  band.  The  band  advancing  from  the 
right  is  led  by  the  priest  Nathaniel,  that  on 
the  left  entering  by  Pilate's  house  is  led  by 
Ezekiel.  The  middle  band  is  preceded  by  Cai- 
aphas  and  Annas.  Each  of  the  four  leaders 
excites  and  inflames  his  hand;  even  from  afar 
their  cry  is  heard.  The  four  bands  advance  to 
the  foreground  and  unite  in  one  mass,  which 
acts,  rages  and  cries  out  as  otie  man.  For  con- 
venience the  four  bands  of  people  are  denoted 
by  f lumbers.] 

173 


Clie   pa00ion   piap 


Nathaniel. 
Moses,  your  prophet,   calls   upon  you!     His 
holy  law  calls  you  to  vengeance ! 
First   Band. 
We  belong  to  Moses!     We  are  and  we  will 
remain  followers  of  Moses  and  of  his  teaching. 
Third  Band. 
We  hold   fast  by    our    friends,    priests   and 
scribes.     Away  with  Him  who  rises  up  against 
them! 

Fourth  Band. 
Ye  are  our  fathers.    We  will  answer  for  your 
honor. 

Annas. 
Come,  children,  cast  yourselves  into  the  arms 
of  the  holy  Sanhedrin ;  it  will  save  you. 

EzEKIEL. 

Shake  it  off,  the  yoke  of  the  Deceiver, 

Second  Band. 
We  will  not  know  Him  any  longer,  we  follow 
you. 

Third  Band. 
The  whole  people  applaud  you ! 

Fourth  Band. 
We  will  be  free  from  the  false  Teacher,  the 
Nazarene  1 

Four  Leaders. 
Your  father's  God  will  again  receive  you,  ye 
are  once  more  a  holy  people  into  Him. 
The  Whole  Multitude. 
Ye  are  our  true  friends.     Long  live  the  great 
Sanhedrin !    Long  live  our  teachers  and  priests. 

174 


C[)e   passion    piap 


Annas. 
And   death  to  the   Galilean. 

Caiaphas. 
Up,  let  us  hasten  to  Pilate !     The  Nazarene 
shall  die! 

The  Leaders. 
He  hath  falsified  the  law  !    The  Nazarene  hath 
despised  the  law  of  Moses  and  the  prophet. 
The  Whole  Multitude. 
Death  to  the  false  Prophet! 

Second  Band. 
Crucify  Him  I 

Second  and  Third  Band. 
Pilate  must  have  Him  crucified ! 

The  Leaders. 
On  the  cross  shall  He  expiate  His  crime! 

Third  and  Foitrth   Bands. 
We   will   not    rest   till   the   sentence   be   pro- 
nounced.    [The  rvhole  croivd  of  people  is  now 
in  the  foreground.] 

Caiaphas. 

[Dominating  the  people  zvith  glance  and  ges- 
ture.] Hail,  children  of  Israel !  Yea,  ye  are 
still  worthy  descendants  of  your  father  Abra- 
ham. O  rejoice  that  ye  have  escaped  the  un- 
speakable perdition  which  this  Deceiver  was  fain 
to  bring  upon  you  and  your  children. 

Annas. 

[Caiaphas  at  his  side.]  Only  the  untiring 
efforts  of  your  fathers  have  preserved  the  na- 
tion from  the  abyss. 

^75 


Cf)e    passion    piap 


The  Whole  Multitude. 
Long  live  the  Council !     Death  to  the  Naza- 
rene. 

Priests  and  Pharisees. 
Cursed  be  he  who  doth  not  cry  out  for  His 
death. 

The  People. 
We  require  His  death ! 

Caiaphas. 
Let  Him  be  cast  out  of  the  heritage  of  our 
fathers. 

The  People. 
Let  Him  be  cast  out! 

Caiaphas. 
The  Governor  will   give  you   the  choice  be- 
tween this   Blasphemer  of   God  and   Barabbas. 
Let  us  insist  upon  the  release  of  Barabbas. 
The  People. 
Let    Barabbas    go    free    and    the    Nazarene 
perish ! 

Annas. 
We  thank  you,  O  fathers ;  ye   have  listened 
to  our  desire ! 

All. 
Pilate  must  consent.     The  whole  nation  de- 
mands it  from  him ! 

Caiaphas. 
Fairest  day  to  the  children  of  Israel.     Chil- 
dren, be  steadfast. 

Priests  and  Pharisees. 
This  day  restores  honor  to  the  synagogue  and 
peace  to  the  people. 

176 


Cf)C   passion    piai? 


Caiaphas. 
[Approaching  Pilate's  house.]     Demand  the 
sentence  with  tumuh.     Threaten  a  universal  in- 
surrection. 

All. 
[Tumult It ously.]     We  require  the  blood  of  our 
Enemy ! 

A  SERV^^NT  of  Pilate. 
[Rushing  out  of  the  house.]     Uproar!  insur- 
rection ! 

People. 
The  Nazarene  must  die ! 

Caiaphas. 
Show  courage!     Stand  out    unter rifled;    the 
righteous  cause  defends  us. 

All. 
Pilate,  pronounce  the  sentence  of  death! 

Servant. 
[From  the  balcony.]    Quiet!  Peace! 

All. 
No,  we  will  not  rest  till  Pilate  consent! 

Servant. 
Pilate  will  immediately  appear. 

All. 
We  demand  the  death  of  the  Nazarene  I 

Caiaphas. 
[To  the  Priests.]    Now  may  Pilate,  as  he  de- 
sired, be  able  to  learn  the  mind  of  the  people. 

177 


Cfje   lpa00fon   Iplap 


SCENE  II. 
[The  same.    Pilate  with  attendants  and  with 
the  thorn-crowned  Christ,  led  by  two  Soldiers, 
upon  the  balcony.] 

All. 
Give  judgment!    Sentence  Him! 

Pilate. 
[Pointing  to  Jesus.]     Behold  the  Man! 

Priests  and  Pharisees. 
Crucify  Him ! 

Pilate. 
Cannot  even  this  pitiable  sight  win  compassion 
from  your  hearts? 

All. 
Let  Him  die  !     Crucify  Him  I 

Caiaphas. 
Hear,  O  Governor,  the  voice  of  the  people ;  it 
consents   to   our   accusation   and   demands    His 
death. 

People. 
Yea,  we  desire  His  death ! 

Pilate. 
[To  the  Soldiers.]    Lead  Him  below,  and  let 
Barabbas  be  brought  hither  from  the  prison.  Let 
the   jailer   deliver  him   up    immediately  to   the 
chief  lictor. 

Annas. 
Let  Barabbas  live !    Pronounce  the  sentence  of 
death  on  the  Nazarene. 

178 


Cf)e   pa0Sion   piap 


The  People. 
Death  to  the  Nazarene ! 
Pilate. 
I  cannot  comprehend  this  people.     But  a  few 
days   ag"0  ye   followed  tliis   Man,   rejoicing  and 
answering  one  another  with   shouts  of  triumph 
through  the  streets  of  Jerusalem.     Is  it  possible 
that  to-day  the  same  people  should  call  out  for 
His  death  and  destruction?     That  is  despicable 
fickleness. 

Caiaphas. 
The  good  people  have  at  last  learned  to  see 
that  they  were  deceived  by  an  Adventurer  who 
pretended  to  call  Himself  the  Messiah,  the  King 
of   Israel. 

Nathaniel. 
Now  the  eyes  of  this  people  are  fully  opened, 
so  that  they  see  that  He  cannot  help  Himself — 
He.  wiio  promised  to  bring  freedom  and  pros- 
perity to  the  nation. 

Ezekiel. 
Israel  will  have  no  Alessiah  who  lets  Himself 
be  taken  and  bound  anfl  treated  with  every  kind 
of  scorn. 

The   People. 
Let  Him  die,  the  false  Messiah,  the  Deceiver ! 

Pilate. 
Men  of  the  Jewish  people,  ye  have  a  custom 
that  I  should  release  a  prisoner  unto  you  at 
the  feast.  Look  now  upon  these  two !  The  One 
— of  gentle  countenance,  of  noble  demeanor,  the 
Image  of  a  wise  Teacher,  whom  ye  have  long 

179 


Cbe  passion   piap 


honored  as  such,  convinced  of  no  evil  deed,  and 
already  humiliated  by  the  most  severe  chastise- 
ment !  the  other  a  vicious,  savage  man,  a  con- 
victed robber  and  murderer,  the  horrible  image 
of  a  finished  scoundrel !  I  appeal  to  your  rea- 
son, to  your  human  feeling!  Choose!  Whom 
will  ye  that  I  release  unto  you,  Barabbas,  or 
Jesus  whom  ye  call  Christ? 

Priests  and  People. 
Let  Barabbas  go  free ! 

Pilate. 
Will  ye  not  that  I  release  unto  you  the  King 
of  the  Jews? 

Priests  and  People. 
Away  with  this  Man,  and  release  unto  us  Bar- 
abbas ! 

Caiaphas. 
Thou  hast  promised  to  release  him  whom  the 
people  should  require. 

Pilate. 
[Caiaphas.]     I  am  accustomed  to  keep  my 
promises  without  reminder.      [To  the  People.] 
What   shall  I  do,  then,   with  the   King  of  the 
Jews? 

Priests  and  Pharisees. 
Crucify  Him. 

Pilate. 
What!  shall  I  crucify  your  King? 

The  People. 
We  have  no  king  but  Caesar. 

Pilate. 
I  cannot  condemn   this  Man,   for  I  find  no 

1 80 


Cfje    pa00iott    pia? 


fault  in  'Him.     He  is  sufficiently  chastised.     I 
will  release  Him. 

Priest. 
If  thou  let  this  Man  go  thou  art  not  Caesar's 
friend. 

Caiaphas. 
He  hath  given  Himself  out  as  a  King. 

Priest. 
And  He  pretends  to  be  a  king — a  rebel  against 
Caesar. 

Nathaniel. 
And  this  Rebel  is  to  remain  unpunished  and 
to  scatter  abroad  still  further  deeds  of  insurrec- 
tion? 

People. 
It  is  the  duty  of  the  Governor  to  put  Him  out 
of  the  way. 

Caiaphas. 
We  have  done  our  duty  as  subjects  of  Caesar 
and  deliver  this  Insurgent  to  thee.  If  thou  dost 
not  attend  to  our  accusation  and  the  demand  of 
the  people,  then  are  we  free  from  guilt.  Thou 
alone,  O  Governor,  art  responsible  to  Caesar  for 
the  consequence. 

Annas. 
If  on  this  Man's  account  universal  tumult  and 
rebellion  arise,  we  shall  know  who  must  bear  the 
blame  of  it,  and  Caesar  also  will  know. 

People. 
The  matter  must  be  brought  before  Caesar. 

EZEKIEL. 

With  astonishment  will  it  be  heard  in  Rome 

i8i 


Cfje   pa00jon    piap 


that  Caesar's  Governor  protected  one  guilty  of 
high  treason,  whose  death  the  entire  people  de- 
manded. 

The  People. 
Thou  must  cause  Him  to  be  condemned,  else 
will  there  be  no  peace  in  the  land. 

Pilate. 
What  evil  hath  He  done?    I  cannot  and  dare 
not  condemn  the  innocent  to  death. 

Caiaphas. 
Permit  me  to  ask  a  question.  Wherefore  judg- 
est  thou  this  Man  so  leniently,  when  lately  thou 
didst  through  thy  soldiers  cause  a  hundred  to  be 
slaughtered  without  judgment  or  sentence  on  ac- 
count of  a  rebellious  outcry?  [Pilate  per- 
plexed.] 

The  People. 
Thou  canst  not  then  show  favor  to  this  Man 
if  thou  wilt  be  a  true  servant  of  Caesar. 

Pilate. 
Let    water    be    brought ! 

Caiaphas. 
The  people  will  not  leave  this  place  until  the 
sentence  of  death  be  pronounced  upon  the  en- 
emy of  Caesar. 

The  People. 
Yea,  we  will  not  again  leave  this  spot  until 
the  sentence  of  death  is  pronounced. 

Pilate. 
Then  your  violence  forces  me  to  comply  with 
your  desire.     Take  him  hence  and  crucify  Him! 
Yet     behold     [he  zvashes  his  hands]     I    wash 

l82 


Cfte   pa$0iott   piap 


my  hands ;  I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  the 
righteous.    Ye  may  answer  for  it. 

Priests  and  People. 
We   take   it   upon   ourselves.      His   blood   be 
upon  us  and  our  children. 

Pilate. 
Let  Barabbas  at  the  demand  of  the  people  be 
released.    Take  him  away — outside  the  city  gate 
so  that  he  may  never  again  tread  these  streets. 
[The  Soldio's  lead  azvay  Barabbas.] 

Priests  and  People. 
Now  hast  thou  justly  judged. 

Pilate. 
I  have  yielded  to  your  violent  pressure  in  or- 
der to  keep  off  greater  evil,  but  in  this  blood- 
guiltiness  will  I  have  no  part.  Let  it  happen  as 
ye  with  tumultuous  voices  have  called  out ;  let 
it  be  upon  you  and  upon  your  children. 

Priests  and  People. 
It  is  good,  let  it  be  upon  us  and  upon  our 
children. 

Annas. 
We  and  our  children  will  bless  this  day,  and 
with  thankful  joy  pronounce  the  name  of  Pon- 
tius Pilate. 

The  People. 
Long  live  our  Governor !     Long  live  Pontius 
Pilate ! 

Pilate. 
Let  the  two  murderers  who  are  kept  in  prison 
be  brouglit  here.     Let  the  chief  lictor  give  them 

183 


Clje   pasgion   piap 


over  without  delay  to  the  soldiers.     They  have 
deserved  death — much  more  tkan  the  Accused. 
Priests  and  People. 

He  hath  deserved  death  more  than  any. 
Pilate. 

The  sentence  of  death  must  be  committed  to 
writing  and  openly  announced  before  all  the 
people.  [The  Scribe  begins  to  write.  In  the 
street  behind  the  scenes  the  Soldiers  who  are 
bringing  in  the  thiei'es  are  heard  driving  them 
on:  "Will  ye  go  on,  ye  perverse  ones?  Have  ye 
not  long  ago  deserved  it?  Thrust  them  on — 
the  off  scouring  of  mankind."] 

Rabbi. 

[Pointing  to  the  thicz'cs.]  There  is  a  worthy 
companionship  for  the  false  Messiah  upon  His 
last  journey. 

Pilate. 

[To  the  thieves.]  Of  you  and  of  your  deeds 
shall  the  earth  this  day  be  quit.  Ye  shall  be 
crucified.  Let  the  sentence  of  death  be  now 
read. 

Scribe. 

[Rises  and  reads.]  I,  Pontius  Pilate.  Gover- 
nor in  Judea  of  the  mighty  Emperor  Claudius 
Tiberius,  pronounce,  at  the  importunate  desire 
of  the  high  priests  of  the  Sanhedrin,  and  of  the 
assembled  people  of  the  Jews,  the  sentence  upon 
a  certain  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  who  is  accused  of 
having  stirred  up  the  people  to  rebellion,  of  hav- 
ing forbidden  to  give  tribute  to  Caesar,  and  of 
having  given  Himself  out  as  King  of  the  Jews. 

184 


€:bt   passion   piap 


The  same  shall  outside  the  city  between  two 
malefactors  who  for  many  robberies  and  mur- 
ders are  likewise  condemned  to  death,  be  nailed 
to  the  cross  and  their  death  thus  accomplished. 
Given  at  Jerusalem,  on  the  eve  of  the  Pass- 
over. 

Pilate. 
[Breaks  liis  staff.]   Now  take  Him  hence  and 
— crucify  Him!     [He  turns  hastily  and  almost 
rushes  into  the  house.] 

Caiaphas. 
Triumph !     Victory  is  ours.     The  Enemy  of 
the  Synagogue  is  destroyed. 

Priests  and   People. 
Away  with  Him  to  Golgotha! 

The   People. 
Long  live  the  Synagogue ! 

Priests  and  People. 
Long  live  the  nation! 

Annas. 
Make  haste  that  we  may  return  home  in  time 
to  eat  the  Passover  lamb! 

Priests  and  Pharisees. 
With  joy  shall  we  keep  this  feast  of  the  Pass- 
over as  our  fathers  in  Egypt. 

Caiaphas. 
Let  our  triumphal  procession  go  through  the 
midst  of  Jerusalem. 

Rabbi. 
Where  are  His  followers  ?     They  are  invited 
to  cry  Hosanna. 

185 


C6e   pa00ion   piap 


The  People. 
[Going  azvay.]  Up  and  away!  To  Golgo- 
tha !  Come  see  Him,  how  He  will  die  upon  the 
cross !  O  day  of  joy,  the  Enemy  of  Moses  is 
cast  down !  So  let  it  be  to  Him  who  despises 
the  law !  He  deserves  the  death  of  the  cross ! 
Auspicious  Passover!  Now  doth  joy  return  to 
Israel !     There  is  an  end  to  the  Galilean. 

END  OF  THE  SECOND  DIVISION. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

ACT  XV. 

The  Way  of  the  Cross. 

[The  extorted  condemnation  has  been  pro- 
nounced. Noiv  we  sec  Jesus  fainting  on  the 
7vay  to  the  Mount  of  Golgotha,  laden  ivith  the 
beam  of  the  Cross.  Isaac  also  once  bore  wil- 
lingly upon  Ills  oivH  shoulders  the  zvood  of  the 
offering  to  the  mountain  zvhere  he  zvas  to  bleed 
as  a  sacrifice,  according  to  the  zvord  of  Jehovah. 
Jesus  also  hears  zvillingly  the  zvord  of  the  Cross, 
which  through  offering  of  holy  love  will  now 
soon  become  a  Tree  of  Life  rich  in  blessing.  For 
as  a  glance  at  the  brazen  serpent  set  up  in  the 
zmlderness  brought  healing,  so  comfort  and  bless- 
ing come  to  us  from  the  Tree  of  the  Cross.] 

i86 


Cf)e    passion    piap 


TWENTY-SECOND     TABLEAU:       Isaac 
bearing   the  zvood  up  Mount  Moriah. 

Chorus. 
E'en  as  the  wood  for  sacrifice 
Isaac  himself  to   Moriah  bore 
With  His  Cross  laden,  Jesus  faints, 
Yet  bears  it  on  to  Golgotha. 
Pray,  and  render  heartfelt  thanks 
Who  the  cup  of  suffering  drank 

Now  the  way  to  death  hath  trod 

Reconciling  us   to  God. 

TWENTY-THIRD  TABLEAU:      The  bra- 
zen serpent. 

Chorus. 
Nailed  and  raised  upon  the  cross 
Soon  will  be  the  Son  of  Man. 
Here  in.  Moses  serpent  see 
Type  already  of  the  cross. 
Pray,  and  render  heartfelt  thanks,  etc. 

TWENTY-FOURTH  TABLEAU:  The  chil- 
dren of  Israel  around  the  brazen  serpent. 

Chorus, 
From  the  poisonous  serpents'  bite 

Were  the  people  healed  through  this ! 
So  will   from  the   Cross   to  us 

Healing  flow  and  blessedness. 
Pray,  and  render  heartfelt  thanks,  etc. 

187 


Cf)e   passion   piap 


SCENE  I. 

[The  Holy  Women  zvith  John  and  Joseph  of 
Arimathea,  coming  from  Bethany.^ 

Mary. 
[To  John.]     O  beloved  disciple,  how  goes  it 
with  my  Jesus? 

John. 
If  the  priests  could  do  as  they  willed,  so  were 
He  surely  already  amongst  the  dead,  but  they 
dare  not  carry  out  the  sentence  without  per- 
mission of  the  Governor,  and  Pilate,  I  hope,  will 
not  condemn  Him,  since  He  hath  ever  only  done 
good. 

Magdalene. 
The  Lx)rd  guide  the  heart  of  the  Governor ! 

Mary. 
O  friends,  whither  shall  we  go,  that  I  may 
again  see  my  Son? 

Joseph. 
There  is  no  one  to  be  seen  from  whom  we 
could  obtain  tidings. 

John. 
It  will  be  best  to  go  to  Nicodemus,  who  sure- 
ly knows  how  it  is  with  the  Master. 

Mary. 
Yea,  let  us   go  thither.     Every  moment  in- 
creases my  anguish. 

188 


Clbe   lg>a0Sion   piap 


John. 
Be  strong  in  faith,  beloved  Mother.  \  Cries  are 
heard,  "On,  on  zmth  Him!"     It  is  the  people, 
urging   on   Jesus,    zvho    has   fallen   under   His 
burden.] 

Joseph. 
What   fearful  tumult  is   that?      [They  stand 
still  listening.] 


SCENE  II. 

[The  procession  of  the  Cross  Bearing. 
Priests,  Pharisees,  People,  Soldiers  half  in 
the  "Street  of  Annas,"  turning  slozvly  into  the 
foreground.  In  front  the  Centurion  tvith  the 
Staff  of  Command,  a  horseman  in  the  group 
with  the  Roman  Banner.  Christ  painfully 
dragging  the  cross,  nearest  to  Him  the  four 
Executioners.] 

People. 
Let  Him  die,  and  all  who  hold  with  Him ! 

First   Executioner. 
Is  the  burden  already  too  heavy  for  Thee? 

People. 
Urge  Him  on  with  force  that  we  may  get  to 
Calvary ! 

Second  Executioner. 
Hold  hard,  He  will  come  down  again ! 
[The  group  in  the  "Street  of  Pilate"  knozs) 
not  yet  what  is  going  on.] 

189 


Cfje   pa00ion   piay 


Joseph. 
What  shall  we  do?    With  this  crowd  we  can- 
not venture  ourselves  in  the  city. 

Mary. 
What  may  this  tumult  signify?     Can  it  pos- 
sibly concern  my  Son? 

Joseph. 
It  seems  as  if  an  insurrection  has  broken  out. 

John. 
We  will  keep  quiet  here  until  the  storm  has 
blown  over. 

Simon  of  Cyrene. 
[Comes  hastily  and  anxiously  from  the  mid- 
dle of  the  street  to  the  foreground,  carrying  a 
basket.]  I  must  hasten  in  order  to  get  into  the 
city.  The  eve  of  the  feast  is  on  the  decline,  and 
I  must  yet  make  purchases. 

Priests  and  People. 
[Still  unseen  by  Simon.]     Let  Him  not  rest! 
Urge  Him  out  to  Golgotha. 
Ahasuerus. 
[Coming  quickly  out  of  the   house.]      Away 
from  my  house.    This  is  no  place  for  resting. 

Simon. 
The   tumult   becomes    greater.      Who    comes 
there?    I  will  await  the  event. 


SCENE  HI. 

[The  Procession  with  Christ  has  at  last  come 
to  the  front.     Meamvkile  in  the  Middle  Street 

190 


Cfje   passion    piap 


Veronica  and  the  Women  of  Jerusalem  draw 
near.] 

John. 
It  seems  that  some  one  is  led  out  to  execution 
to  Calvary. 

Mary. 
[Sees  Jesus.]     It  is  He!     O  God,  it  is  my 
Son!     [Those  around  Jesus  push  Him  on.] 
Executioners. 
He  delays  us  on  the  road. 

Centurion. 
[To   Jesus  tvJio   in   uttermost  zu'eariuess   lias 
again  fallen   fainting.]      Here,    refresh  Thyself. 
[He  hands  Him  a  flask,  Jesus  takes  it  but  does 
not  drink.] 

Mary. 
Ah !  See  Him  thus  led  to  death,  like  a  male- 
factor, between  two  malefactors. 

John. 
Mother,   it   is  the   hour   of   which   He   spoke 
before ;  thus  it  is  the  Father's  will. 
Centurion. 
Wilt  Thou  not  drink?    Then  force  Him  on. 

Fourth  Exi-xutioner. 
[Shakes  Jesus.]     Bestir  Thyself,  lazy  King  of 
the  Jews. 

Second  Executioner. 
Up,  pull  Thyself  together ! 

Third   Executioner. 
Do  not  act  so  weakly,  we  must  go  on. 

191 


CJ)e   pa00ion   piap 


Mary. 
O,  where  is  sorrow  like  unto  my  sorrow. 

Third  Executioner. 
He   is  too  much   exhausted ;   some  one  must 
help,  otherwise — 

Rabbi. 
[Pointing  to  Simon.]     Here,  this  stranger — 

Pharisee. 
Lay  hold  on  him. 

Centurion. 
Come  hither;  thou  hast  broad  shoulders. 

Simon. 

I  must 

Fourth  Executioner. 
Indeed  thou  must,  or  there  will  be  blows. 

Pharisee. 
Beat  him,  if  he  will  not  go. 

Simon. 
I  am  indeed  innocent,   I  have  committed  no 
crime. 

Executioner. 
Silence ! 

Simon. 
[Observing  Christ.]      What  do  I   see?  that 
is  the  Holy  Man  of  Nazareth. 

Second  Executioner. 
Thy   shoulders  here. 

Simon. 
For  love  of  Thee  will  I  bear  it.     O  that  I 
could    thereby   make   myself    worthy    in    Thine 
sight ! 

192 


Cl)e    lPas0ion    piap 


Christ. 
[Sta)iding    exhausted   at     one   side.]      God's 
blessing  upon  thee  and  thine. 

Executioner. 
Forward  now,  do  Thou  follow  after  with  the 
beam  of  Thy  cross. 

First  Priest. 
[To    Christ.]     Now    canst    Thou    step    on 
quickly  ? 

Third  Executioner. 
[Sei::ing  Jesus  by  the  neck  and  shaking  Him.] 
See  how  we  are  kept  back  by  Thee,  even  though 
the  instrument  of  punishment  be  taken  off  Thee ! 

Second  Executioner. 
Dost  Thou  need  anything  more? 

Executioner. 

Let  Him  alone.  We  will  wait  a  little  longer 
yet  that  He  may  revive  before  we  go  up  the 
hill. 

[Veronica  and  the  IV omen  of  Jerusalem  ap- 
proach the  procession.] 

Caiaphas. 
Another  stoppage   already?     When   shall   we 
get  to  Calvary? 

Veronica. 
[Kneeling  before  Jesus  and  offering  Him  a 
napkin.]     O  Lord,  how  is  Thy  countenance  cov- 
ered  with   blood   and    sweat.      Wilt   Thou    not 
wipe  it? 

193 


Cfte   pa00jott   piap 


Christ. 
\lVipcs    His    face    and    gives    her    back    the 
cloth.]     Compassionate  soul,  the  Father  will  rec- 
ompense thee  for  it. 

Women  of  Jerusalem. 
[Kneeling   zvith    their    little   ones   before    the 
Lord.]     Thou  good  Master,  never-to-be-forgot- 
ten Benefactor,  noblest  Friend,  of  men  thus  art 
Thou  recompensed.     [They  zveep.] 

Christ. 
Daughters  of  Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  Me,  but 
weep  for  yourselves  and  for  your  children.  For 
behold,  the  days  are  coming  in  which  they  shall 
say  blessed  are  the  barren,  and  wombs  that  nev- 
er bare,  and  the  paps  that  never  gave  suck.  Then 
shall  they  begin  to  say,  "Fall  on  us;"  and  to 
the  hills,  "Cover  us."  For  if  they  do  those 
things  in  a  green  tree,  what  shall  be  done  in  the 
dry? 

Centurion. 
Now  remove  the  women  folk. 

Third  Executioner. 
What  good  are  your  women's  tears  ?    Back. 

Second  and  Third  Executioners. 
Away  with  Him  to  the  hill  of  death ! 

People. 
Up  briskly  to  Calvary. 

Rabbi. 
Is  the  thing  ever  to  go  on? 
Nathaniel. 
The  Centurion  is  quite  too  merciful. 

194 


Cfje   1^3001011    piap 


Priest. 
lie  does  not  spare  his  soldiers  so  much. 
[The  procession  bes^ins  to  move  forzvard.    The 
Servant  of  Pilate  appears.] 


SCENE  IV. 

Pilate's  Servant. 
Hold !     By  the  Governor's  command  the  Cen- 
turion is  immediately  to  appear  before  him  to  re- 
ceive further  directions.    [The  procession  stops.] 

Caiapiias. 
What    is    this?      Wherefore    any    new    direc- 
tions ?    The  sentence  of  death  is  pronounced  and 
must  be  carried  out  without  delay. 

Centurion. 

[Sternly.]  No,  this  cannot  be  until  I  shall 
have  received  the  orders  from  my  lord.  [To  the 
Soldiers.]  Keep  ye  watch  meanwhile,  and  go 
on  with  the  condemned  towards  Golgotha.  Then 
dismiss  this  man,  [pointini^  to  Simon]  and 
await  my  arrival. 

[Exit  with  the  Senvnt.  The  procession 
moves  forzvard  again  to  the  middle  of  the  back- 
ground.] 

People. 

[IVildly  one  after  the  other.]  Up  to  Golgotha! 
Crucify  Him!  Hail  to  Israel,  the  Enemy  is 
overcome !  We  are  set  free ;  long  live  the  San- 
hedrin ! 

195. 


Cfte   passion   piap 


John. 
Mother,  shall  we  not  return  to  Bethany?  Thou 
wilt  not  be  able  to  bear  the  sight. 

Mary.  j 

How  could  a  mother  leave  her  child  in  the     1 
last  bitterest  need.    I  will  suffer  with  Him,  with 
Him  bear  scorn  and  shame — die  with  Him ! 

John. 
If  only  strength  of  the  body  do  not  fail. 

Mary. 
Fear  not.    I  have  prayed  to  God  for  strength ; 
the  Lord  hath  heard  me.    Let  us  follow  after. 

All. 
Dearest  Mother,  we  follow  thee.     [They  slow- 
ly^  follow  the  procession.] 


ACT  XVI. 

Jesus  on  Calvary. 

[Christ  clothed  in  black.] 

Chorus. 
Up,  pious  souls,  arise  and  go 
With  grateful  penitence  aglow 
With  me  to  Golgotha,  and  see 
What  for  your  saving  here  befell. 
There  dies  the  Daysman  between  God 
And  sinners,  the  atoning  death. 

196 


CJ)e   passion   piai? 


Ah !  naked  only  clothed  with  wounds, 
Here  lies  He  on  the  Cross  for  thee; 
The  vengeance  of  the  wicked  gloats 
Malicious,  o'er  His  nakedness, 
And   He  who  thee.   O   sinner,  loves, 
Is  silent,  suffers  and  forgives. 

I  hear  His  limbs  already  crack 
As  they  from  out  tlieir  joints  are  torn ; 
Whose  heart  doth  it  not  cause  to  rend 
When  he  the  hammer's  stroke  doth  hear, 
Whose  dull  thick  blows,  through  hands  and  feet, 
'Alas!  the  cruel  nails  must  send. 

[The  blozvs  of  the  hammer  are  heard  from 
behind  the  scenes.  The  curtain  rises;  Christ 
lies  nailed  to  the  cross  upon  the  ground.\ 

Choragus. 

[In  tones  accompanied  by  soft  music.\ 

Up,   pious  souls,  draw  near  the   Lamb 
Who  freely  gives  Himself  for  you 
Behold  Him  on  the  tree  of  doom 
See  how  twixt  murderers  He  hangs, 
He,   Son   of   God,   His   life-blood   gives 
And  ye  no  tears  give  back  to  Him? 

Himself  His  murderers  to  forgive, 
We  hear  Him  to  the  Father  pray: 
And  soon,  O  soon,  He  ends  His  life, 

197 


^bt   passion   pia^ 


That  we  eternal  death  may  'scape 
His  side  a  spear,  doth  pierce  full  sore 
And  opes  to  us  His  heart  still  sore. 

Choragus. 

[Sings.] 

O  who  can  this  high  love 

Which  loveth  even  unto  death 

And  blessing  even  the  murderous  band, 

Instead  of  hating,  pardons  them? 

The  Whole  Chorus. 
O  bring  to  this  great  Love 
But  pious  heart's  emotion 
Unto  the  Altar  of  the  Cross 
To  the  great  Offering  there. 

SCENE  I. 

[The  scene  is  in  the  middle  of  the  stage.  As 
the  curtain  rises,  the  tzvo  crosses  with  the  male- 
factors are  raised.  Christ  lies  nailed  to  His 
Cross,  on  the  ground.  Lictors,  Executioners, 
High  Priests.  Pharisees,  People  ;  in  the  back- 
ground the  Holy  Women,  with  John,  Joseph 
and  NicoDEMus.] 

The  Executioners. 
[Poijiting  to  the  Thieves.]     We  have  already 

198 


Cbe   passion    piaj) 


finished  with  these.    Must  the  King  of  the  Jews 
be  also  raised  on  high  upon  His  throne. 

Priest. 
Not    King!      Deceiver,   chief    traitor! 

Centurion. 
First,  however,  this  writing  must  according  to 
the  Governor's  order  be   fastened  to  the  cross. 
Faustus.  fasten  this  escutcheon  over  the  Cross. 

Faustus. 
A  shield  exposed  to  pubhc  view  !     Ha !  that  is 
truly  legal.     [He  fastens  on  the  xi*riting.] 

Centurion. 
Now  lay  hold,  and  raise  the  Cross !  only  not 
carelessly ! 

Third  Executioner. 
Come,  redouble  your  efforts.     [They  raise  iV.] 

Fourth  Executioner. 
All  right,  the  cross  stands  firm. 

Centurion. 
The  painful  act  is  accomplished. 

Caiaphas. 
And   truly  admirably  accomplished.     Thanks 
and  applause  from  us  all. 

Pharisee. 
Thanks  and  applause  from  us  all. 

Caiaphas. 
This  day  shall  be  ever  a  feast  day. 

Pharisee. 
Yea,  it  will  be  solemnly  kept  for  all  time  to 
come. 

Annas. 
And   I    will   now  willingly   go    down   to  my 

199 


Cfte   passion    piap 


fathers  since  I  have  lived,  to  have  the  joy  of 
seeing  this  Wretch  upon  the  Cross.  But  the 
writing  upon  the  Cross  seems  to  me  to  be  very 
briefly  composed. 

Rabbi. 
[Going  closer.]    That  is  an  affront  to  the  San- 
hedrin  and  to  the  people. 

Caiaphas. 
What  is  written  ? 

Rabbi. 
It  reads  thus:     Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the  King 
of  the  Jews.     [The  four  Executioners  lay  down 
the  Cross.] 

Caiaphas. 
Truly    the    honor    of    the    nation    is    therein 
touched  ? 

Priest. 
Let  the  writing  be  torn  down. 

Caiaphas. 
We  dare  not  ourselves  lay  hands  on  it.     [To 
tzvo  Priests.]     Go  to  the  Governor  and  demand 
in  the  name  of  the  Sanhedrin  and  of  the  assem- 
bled people,  the  alteration  of  this  writing.     He 
should  write  that  He  said — I  am  King  of  the 
Jews.     Then  also  present  a  petition  that  before 
the  great  eve  of  the  feast  the  bones  of  the  cruci- 
fied be  broken  and  their  bodies  taken  down. 
Third  Executioner. 
Now,  comrades,  let  us  divide  what  has  fallen 
to  us.     [He  takes  up  the  coat  and  the  mantle 
of  Christ.]      See,  the  mantle  makes  just  four 
parts.     [The  four  Executioners  sei:se  the  man- 

200 


^tit   pa00ion   piap 


tie  and  tear  it  zcith  one  pull,  into  four  pieces.] 
But  the  coat  is  not  sewn  together.  Shall  we 
cut  it  also  in  pieces. 

Second  Executioner. 
No,  it  is  better  that  we  cast  lots  for  it. 

First   Executioner. 
Here  are  dice.     I  will  at  once  try  my  luck. 
{He  throws.]     That  is  too  little.     I  have  lost. 
Third  Executioner. 
{Looking   up   to   Christ.]      What?     If  thou 
canst  work  a  miracle  upon  the  Cross,  then  give 
luck  to  my  throw.     {He  throzvs.] 

The  Other  Executioners. 
What  does   He  know  about  us? 
Fourth  Executioner. 
I  ought  to  be  luckier.     Fifteen.     Very  good. 
Now  do  thou  try   it ! 

Second  Executioner. 
I  must  get  it.     {He  throzvs.] 

Third  Executioner. 
{Looking  at   the  dice.]      Eighteen!     That  is 
the  highest. 

First  Executioner. 
It  is  thine.     Take  it  away. 

Fourth  Executioner. 
Thou  art  not  at  all  to  be  envied  about  it. 

Rabbi. 
{Returning  from  Pilatic]     Our  embassy  was 
fruitless.     He  would  not  listen  to  us. 

Caiapiias. 
Did  he  give  us  no  answer? 

201 


Cfte   passion   piap 


Rabbi. 
This  only,  "What  I  have  written,  I  have  writ- 
ten." 

Annas. 
Intolerable. 

Caiaphas. 
What  answer  did  he  give  concerning  break- 
ing the  bones? 

Rabbi. 
Concerning  that  he  said  he  would  give  his  or- 
ders to  the  Centurion. 

Priest. 
[To  Christ.]  Therefore  the  writing  remains: 
King  of  the  Jews.     Ah,  if  Thou  art  a  King  in 
Israel  come  down  now  from  the  Cross,  that  we 
may.  see  it  and  believe  on  Thee. 
Second  Priest. 
Thou  that  destroyed  the  Temple  and  buildest 
it  in  three  days,  save  Thyself ! 

Caiaphas. 
Ah,    Thou   hast  saved  others.   Thyself   Thou 
canst  not  save. 

The  False  Witnesses. 
Come  down,  for  Thou  art  the  Son  of  God. 

Annas. 
He  trusted  in  God :  let  Him  deliver  Him  now 
if  He  will  have  Him. 

Fourth  Executioner. 
What !   dost   Thou   not   hear  ? 

First    and    Third    Executioners. 
Show  Thy  power,  mighty  King  of  the  Jews! 

202 


Cf)e   pa0$ion    piap 


Christ. 
[Whose  head  during  the  whole  time  has  hung 
motionless,    )iow    turns    it    painfully.]       Father, 
forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do. 
The  Thief. 
[On  the  left;  to  Christ.]    Hearest  Thou  ?    If 
Thou  art  the  Christ  save  Tiiyself  and  us. 
The  Thief  on  the  Right. 
[To  him  on  the  left.]      Dost  thou   not   fear 
God,  seeing  thou  art  in  the  same  condemnation? 
And  we  indeed  justly  ;  for  we  receive  the  due 
reward  of  our  deeds ;  but  this   Man  hath  done 
nothing  amiss.     Lord,  remember  me  when  Thou 
comest  into  Thy  kingdom. 

Christ. 
Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  to-day  shalt  thou  be 
with  Me  in  Paradise. 

Caiaphas. 
Listen,  He   still  goes  on   as  though   it  were 
His  command  at  the  doors  of  Paradise. 

Rabbi. 
His  presumption  has  not  yet  left  Him,  now 
that  He  hangs  helpless  upon  the  Cross. 

Christ. 
Woman,     behold  thy  son.     Son,     behold    thy 
mother. 

Mary. 
Thus  dying  Thou  carest  still  for  Thy  mother. 

John. 
Sacred  to  me  Thy  last  will.     Thou  my  moth- 
er.    And  I  thy  son. 

203 


CJje   passion   piap 


Christ. 
[With  signs  of  the  approaching  end.]   I  thirst. 

Centurion. 
He  suffers  thirst   and   asks   for   drink. 

Second  Executioner. 
I   will   quickly   reach   it  to  Him.      [He   takes 
the  reed  with  the  sponge,  upon  which  the  Cen- 
turion pours  from  his  flask;  Christ  sips  from 
the  sponge.]     Here,  drink  ! 

Christ. 
[With  the  expression    of    deepest    anguish.] 
Eloi,  Eloi,  lama  sabachthani  ? 

Pharisee  and  People. 
See,  He  calleth  Elias ! 

Caiaphas. 
Let  be,  let  us  see  whether  Elias  will  come  to 
save  Him. 

Christ. 
[Breathing  heaznly  several  times.]      It  is  fin- 
ished!    Father,  into  Thy  hands  I  commend  I\Iy 
spirit.      [He  slozvly  droops  His  head,  and  dies. 
Thunder  is  heard;  and  it  becomes  dark.] 
Priests  and   People. 
What   a    fearful    earthquake.       Hear    ye    the 
crash  of  the  falling  rocks?    Woe  to  us. 
Centurion. 
Certainly  this  was  a  righteous   Man ! 

Soldiers. 
The    Godhead   Himself    bears    Him    witness 
through  these  terrors  of  nature! 
Centurion. 
This    patience    in    fiercest    pains,    this    noble 

204 


Clje   passion    piap 


calm,  this  loud  devoted  cry  to  heaven  in  the 
moment  before  Tlis  departure — all  make  one  ati- 
gurate  something-  higher.  Truly  He  is  the  Son 
of  God ! 

People. 

Come,  neighbors,  I  will  remain  no  longer  in 
this  place  of  horrors ;  let  us  return  home.  God 
be  gracious  to  us ! 

Other. 

Almighty  One,  we  have  sinned.  [The  people 
disperse.] 

Servant  of  the  Temple. 
[Entering  Iiastily.]      High    priest,    assembled 
Council,     In  the  holy  place  a  fearful  advent  has 
happened.     I  tremble  in  every  limb, 

Caiaphas. 
What  is  it;     not  the  Temple? 

Annas. 
Thrown  down  ? 

Servant. 
Not  that,  but  the  veil  of  the  Temple  is  rent 
in  twain  from  the  top  to  the  lx)ttom.     It  seems 
as  though  the  whole  earth  is  split  asunder. 

Priests  and  Pharisees. 
Terrible ! 

Caiaphas. 
[Pointing   to   the  dead  Christ.]      This  hath 
that  Wretch  done  through  His  enchantments.    It 
is  well  that  He  is  out  of  the  world,  or  He  would 
bring  all  elements  into  disorder. 

205 


Cf)e   passion   piap 


Priests  and  Pharisees. 
Curses  upon  Him,  He  is  in  league  with  Beel- 
zebub. 

Caiapiias. 
Let  us  go  home  with  haste  and  see  what  has 
occurred.  We  will  then  return  hither  immediate- 
ly, for  I  have  no  rest  until  I  see  the  legs  of 
this  Man  broken  and  His  body  thrown  into  a 
Malefactor's  grave. 


SCENE  II. 

NiCODEMUS. 

[To  Joseph  of  Arimathea.]  Shall  then  the 
Holy  Body  of  the  Heaven  sent,  be  so  dishonored 
as  to  be  thrown  into  the  Malefactor's  grave? 

Joseph. 
Friend,  hear  my  resolve.      I  will  go  straight- 
way to  Pilate,   and  will   earnestly   beg  him   to 
give  me  the  body  of  Jesus.     He  will  not  deny 
me  this  favor. 

Nicodemus. 
Do  so,  friend.     I  will  bring  spices  to  embalm 
His  body. 

Centurion. 
[To    the    Holy    Women.}     Fear    not,    good 
women.     No  evil  shall  befall  thee. 
Magdalene. 
[Clasping  the  Cross.]     O  most  beloved  Teach- 
er, my  heart  hangs  with  Thee  from  the  Cross. 

206 


Cl)e   passion   Plap 


Servant  of  PiLATFi. 
[Entering.  To  the  Centurion.]  By  order 
of  my  lord,  the  crucified  are  to  have  their  legs 
broken.  Thcti  their  bodies  are  to  be  taken  down. 
Before  the  beginning-  of  the  good,  evil  all  must 
be  over. 

Centurion. 
It  will  be  done  at  once.     Fellows,  brealc  first 
the  bones  of  these  two  thieves. 

Third  Executioner. 
Let    us    bring   this     heart-breaking    business 
quickly  to  an  end. 

Second  Executioner. 
[IVIw  has  gone  up  a  ladder  and  broken  the 
legs  of  the  thieves  on  the  right  with  four  blows 
with  a  club.]     He  wakes  no  more. 
Fourth    Executioner. 
[Goes  up  to  the  thief  on  the  left  hand.]   The 
other  will  I  hasten  out  of  the  world. 

Mary. 
[Shuddering.]   Ah,  Jesus,  they  will  not  sure- 
ly deal  so  horribly  with  Thy  Holy  Body. 
Fourth    Executioner. 
[To  the  tliicf  on  the  left  hand.]     Movest  thou 
any  more?     No!  he  has  his  wages. 
Magdalene. 
[As  the  Executioner  with  a  club  approaches 
Christ.]     Ah,  spare  Him. 

Third  Executioner. 
[Looking  up  to  Christ.]     He  is  already  dead. 
It  is  no  longer  necessary  to  break  His  legs. 

207 


CSe   passion   piap 


Second  Executioner. 
In  order  that  we  may  be  quite  sure  of  His 
death  I  will  open  His  heart  with  a  spear.     [He 
pierces  Jesus's  side — blood  Uozvs  oiit.^ 
The  Holy  Women. 
Ah! 

Magdalene. 
Ah,  Mother,  this  wound  has  also  pierced  Thy 
heart. 

Centurion. 
Now  take  the  Body  from  the  cross. 

First  Executioner. 
Whither  then?  whither? 

Centurion. 
As  it  is  ordered — into  the  criminal's  grave. 

Mary. 
What  a  fearful  word! 

Fourth  Executioner. 
Ladders !  here  they  will  soon  be  taken  down. 

Magdalene. 
{To  the  Centurion.]     May  we  not  then  once 
show  the  last  honors  to  our  Friend? 

Centurion. 
Unhappily,  it  lies  not  in  my  power  to  grant 
you  your  wish. 

Second  Executioner. 
[To  the  First  Executioner.]     Go  thou  up,  I 
will  hold. 

Third  Executioner. 
And  I  will  look  after  the  others. 

208 


Cfje   pa0$ion   piajt? 


SCENE  III. 

[The  Priests  return  to  Golgotha.] 

Caiaphas. 
[Entering  at  the  head  of  the  Priests.]  It  will 
be  more  pleasing  to  us  to  see  this  Wretch 
thrown  into  the  grave  of  shame.  We  have  be- 
held the  destruction  that  He  has  brought  to  pass 
in  the  Temple. 

Annas. 
It  would  rejoice  mine  eyes  to  see  His  limbs 
torn  asunder  by  wild  beasts. 

Caiaphas. 
See,  they  have  already  been  taken  down,  so 
we  shall  see  our  wish  fulfilled  at  once. 
Pilate's  Serv^ant. 
[Enteri}ig  zvith  J(~)Seph  of  Arimathea.     To  the 
Centurion.]     The  Governor  hath  sent  me  to  in- 
quire of  thee   if  Jesus  of  Nazareth   indeed  be 
dead  as  this  man  hath  told  him. 

Centurion. 
It  is  so.     See  for  thyself. 

Servant. 
Then  I  am  commissioned  to  announce  to  thee 
that  His  body  be  delivered  to  this  man  as  a  gift 
from  the  Governor. 

The  Holy  Women. 
O   comforting  tidings ! 

209 


Cl)e   pas0ion   piap 


Rabbi. 
[Looking  toward  Joseph  of  Arimathea.]  The 
betrayer  of  the   Sanhedrin.     So  he  has   again 
worked  secretly. 

Annas. 
And  destroyed  our  pleasure. 

Caiaphas. 
[To  the  Centurion.]     Nevertheless  we  will 
not  consent  that  he  be  laid  in  any  other  place 
than  with  the  malefactors. 

Centurion. 

Since  the  body  is  given  to  this  man  he  can 
bury  it  how  and  wheresoever  he  wishes.  This 
allows  of  no  objection.  [To  the  Soldiers  and 
Executioners.]  Men,  our  business  is  ended;  we 
will  return  home. 

Annas. 

[To  Joseph  of  Arimathea.]  Thou  persistest 
then,  in  thy  stubbornness.  Art  thou  not  ashamed 
to  honor  even  the  dead  body  of  a  Criminal? 

Joseph. 
I  honor  the  most  virtuous  of  men,  the  God- 
sent  Teacher,  the  Innocent  murdered  One. 

NiCODEMUS. 

Envy  and  pride  were  the  motives  of  His  con- 
demnation. The  judge  himself  was  forced  to 
testify  to  His  innocence ;  He  swore  that  he 
would  have  no  part  in  His  blood. 

Caiaphas. 
The  curse  of  the  law  will  bring  you  to  de- 
struction, ye  enemies  of  our  fathers. 

210 


^t^t   lpa0,0ion   piay 


Rabbi. 

Do  not  exdte  thyself,  High  Priest,  they  are 
smitten  with  bhndness. 

Caiaphas. 
Cursed  be  ye  by  the  Council.    Bereft  of  your 
dignities,  ye  shall  no  more  dare  to  appear  in 
our  midst. 

NiCODEMUS. 

We  no  more  desire  to  do  so. 

Annas. 

[Coming  forward  with  the  Priests.]  As  the 
body  is  in  the  hands  of  His  friends  we  must 
be  on  guard,  since  this  Deceiver  said  that  after 
three  days  He  would  rise  again. 

Rabbi. 

This  trick  could  easily  be  played  upon  the  peo- 
ple. His  disciples  could  take  Him  away  secretly 
and  then  report  that  He  has  risen. 

Caiaphas. 
Then  would  the  last  error  be  worse  than  the 
first.     Let  us  go  immediately  and  ask  from  Pi- 
late  a   guard    of    soldiers    to   watch   the    grave 
until  the  third  day. 

Annas. 
A  prudent  thought. 

Rabbi. 
Thus  will  their  plans  be  brought  to  nought. 

211 


Cj^e   passion   piap 


SCENE  IV. 

Removal  From  the  Cross  and  Burial. 

Magdalene. 
At  length  they  have  gone,  the  madmen.     Be 
comforted,  beloved   Mother.     The  mocking  and 
blaspheming-  are  over,  and  a  holy  evening  calm 
surrounds  us. 

Mary. 
He  has  finished  it.    He  has  departed  into  the 
rest  of  His  Father. 

Magdalene. 
He  has  not  been  torn  from  us  forever,  that  is 
His  own  promise. 

Mary. 
[To  the  men  removing    the  body  from   the 
CrossS\      Generous  men,  bring  me  quickly  the 
body  of  my  beloved  child. 

Salome. 
Come,  my  companions,  prepare  this  winding 
sheet  to  receive  it.  [They  seat  Mary,  and  spread 
the  winding  sheet  beside  her.] 

Joseph. 
[Taking   the   body  upon   his  shotdders.]      O 
sweet,  O  holy  burden,  rest  upon  my  shoulders. 

NiCODEMUS. 

[Reaching  for  the  body.]  Come,  holy  body  of 
my  only  Friend.  Let  me  embrace  Thee.  How 
hath  the  fury  of  Thine  enemies  lacerated  Thee ! 
[The  body  is  placed  on   Mary's  lap.] 

212 


Cfje   passion   piap 


John. 
Once  more  the  best  of  sons  rests  in  the  bosom 
of  the  best  of  mothers. 

Mary. 
O  my  son,   how  is  Thy  body  covered   with 
wounds. 

John. 
Mother,  from  these  wounds  flow  healing  and 
blessing  for  mankind. 

Magdalene. 
Behold,  mother,  Heaven's  peace  rests  upon  the 
countenance. 

NiCODEMUS. 

Let  us  anoint  Him  and  wrap  Him  in  this  new 
winding  sheet. 

Joseph. 
He  shall  be  laid  in  my  new  grave  prepared 
for  myself  in  the  rocky  cave  in  my  garden. 

Salome. 
Best  of  Masters — One  more   loving   tear  on 
Thy  lifeless  body. 

Magdalene. 
Let  me  kiss  once  more  the   hand   which   so 
often  blessed  me. 

JoH  N. 
We  shall  see  Him  again. 
Joseph. 
Do  thou  help  me  to  bear  Him  into  the  garden. 

NiCODEMUS. 

f  am  blessed  since  I  may  lay  to  rest  the  re- 
mains of  Him  who  was  sent  from  God.  [They 
bear  His  body  to  the  tomb.] 

213 


Cfte   Pa00ion   piap 


John. 
Let  us  follow  the  dear,  the  divine  Friend. 

Mary. 
It  is  the  last  service  which  I  can  do  for  my 
Jesus.      [All  follow.     The  grave  is  seen  in  the 
background.] 

John. 
Now    we    will    return    home.     Come,  dearest 
mother. 

Joseph. 
Let  us  close  the  grave  with  this  stone.     Help 
me. 

NiCODEMUS. 

After  the  feast  day  we  will  finish  the  work 
of  love. 

Joseph. 
Come  now,  O  friend,  to  lament  His  death. 

Nicodemus. 
O  how  can  this  Man,  full  of  grace  and  truth, 
have  deserved  such  a  fate. 


ACT  XVH. 

The  Resurrection. 

Prologue. 

{All  is  nozv  accomplished.  Peace  and  joy. 
His  strife  hath  brought  us  freedom.  His  death 
hatJi  brought  us  life.  O  let  the  heart  of  the 
redeemed  flow  with  thankfulness  and  love.    The 

214 


Cfje   Pa0$ion   piap 


Iwly  One  rests  in  the  tomb,  yet  for  shortest  rest. 
For  the  Anointed  One  cannot  see  corruption.  He 
ijiill  arise  again  alive.  Jonah,  God's  prophet,  af- 
ter three  days  came  out  of  the  fish's  belly. 
Israel  zvent  victoriously  through  the  waives  of 
the  sea  which  szvallowed  up  the  enemy.  So  vuill 
the  Lord  mightily  burst  the  gates  of  death,  shin- 
ing out  of  darkness  in  glorious  light,  and  arise 
to  the  confusion  of  His  enemies  in  exceeding 
majesty.] 

Tenor. 
Softly  rest  now,  sacred  body. 

Solo. 
Rest  in  peace  from  pain  and  labor. 
In  the  stillness  of  the  grave. 

Chorus. 
Love,  O  love,  in  Thy  dear  blood 
Thou  didst  strike  with  God's  own  power 
All  the  mighty  combat  through. 
Love,  Thou  gavest  Thyself,  Thy  life, 
For  us  sinners  willingly. 
Ever  before  our  eyes  shall  float 
Higher  sense  of  all  Thy  love. 
Softly  now,  O  sacred  Frame, 
Rest  in  stillness  of  the  grave, 
All   Tliy   bitter   passion   o'er. 
In  earth's  lap  O  softly  rest 
Till  Thy  glory  be  revealed. 

215 


Cfje    passion    pia^ 


Never  shall  corruption's  worm 
Touch  or  mar  Thy  holy  flesh. 

TWENTY-FIFTH      TABLEAU:       Jonah 
cast  by  the  whale  on  dry  land. 

As  Jonah  once  within  the  fish 

So  in  earth's  bosom  now  doth  rest 

The  Son  of  Man — but  with  one  breath 

He  breaks  His  bonds  and  the  sealed  tomb. 

Victory,  victory.  He  will  rise 

As  Jonah   from  the  fish's  maw 

So  also  will  the  Son  of  J\Ian 

Go  forth  to  life  from  out  the  grave. 

TWENTY-SIXTH  TABLEAU:    The  Egyp- 
tians dronmed  in  the  Red  Sea. 


Chorus. 
Great  is  the  Lord !  His  goodness  great 
Accepted  hath  He  now  His  own. 
He  led  once  through  the  waters'  midst 
His  Israel  on  the  firm,  dry  ground. 

Triumph,  for  He  vvho  died  will  rise ; 
Death  darkness  covers  Him  no  more. 
Now  living.  He  througli  His  own  might 
Will  victor  from  tlie  grave  go  forth. 

2l6 


Ct)c    pa00ion   piap 


SCENE  I. 

The  Watch   Sitting  or   Lying  About   the 

Grave. 

Watch. 
[One  after  another.]  Brother,  how  goes  it 
with  thee?  I  shall  soon  find  it  too  wearisome  to 
guard  a  dead  body.  This  tedious  office  of 
watching  the  dead,  which  the  priests  have  put 
upon  us!  Have  patience,  it  is  the  last  night. 
But  it  is  truly  laughable  how  this  people  still 
fear  even  the  dead.  The  Man  of  Nazareth  must 
have  said  that  He  would  rise  again  on  the  third 
day.  Hence  their  anxiety.  If  He  is  really  a 
higher  Being,  who  will  then  hinder  His  resur- 
rection ?  Certainly  we  cannot.  Who  could  with- 
stand the  will  of  God,  if  He  willed  to  permit 
any  one  to  return  from  the  under  world?  They 
fear  that  His  disciples  will  take  away  the  body 
and  say  that  He  is  risen ;  to  prevent  this  vve 
are  set  to  watch.  Then  they  may  be  with- 
out anxiety.  They  are  not  thinking  of  it.  That 
would  give  us  a  fine  hare-hunt.  We  have  been 
told  how  bravely  they  behaved  in  the  olive  gar- 
den. The  glow  of  morning  is  beginning  already. 
[Earthquake]  What  a  fearful  earthquake.  Ye 
gods.  Away  from  the  rock,  it  totters,  it  falls  in, 
[An  Angel  rolls  away  the  stone,  Christ  arises.] 
Immortal  gods,  what  <\o  I  see?     I  am  blinded. 

217 


Cfte   Pa00ion   piap 


[They  fall  to  the  ground.]  The  appearance  is 
gone.  I  saw  at  the  grave  a  Figure  Hke  that 
of  a  man,  but  His  face  was  dazzling  as  the 
lightning.  Higher  powers  are  at  work  here. 
The  grave  is  open.  I  see  no  corpse.  He  must 
be  risen.  He  has  fulfilled  His  word.  We  will 
hasten  to  the  High  Priests  and  relate  the  whole 
occurrence  to  them. 


SCENE  n. 

The  Holy  Women  at  the  Grave. 

Magdalene. 
[Hastening  on  before  the  others.]     How  does 
my  heart  rejoice  to  show  even  this  honor  to  the 
Beloved. 

The  Other  Women. 
Who  shall  roll  us  away  the  stone? 

Magdalene. 
[Comes  from   the  gro7'e.]      O    sisters,    what 
have  I  seen?    They  have  taken  away  the  Lord 
out  of  the  sepulchre. 

Women. 

0  God! 

Magdalene. 

1  will  go  at  once  to  Peter  and  John  and  bring 
them  these  sorrowful  tidings.   [Exit.] 

Women. 
Alas,  the  last  consolation  is  thus  taken  from 
us.    Perchance  Joseph  hath  laid  Him  in  another 

2l8 


Cbe   pa00ion   piap 


grave.  If  only  the  enemies  have  not  stolen  Him 
away.  Let  us  see  ourselves.  [They  go  to  the 
graz-c]  I  see  not  the  Sacred  Body.  O,  I  am 
affrighted. 

Angel. 

[Appearing  at  the  door  of  the  sepnilcJire.] 
Fear  not,  Ye  seek  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  who  was 
crucified.  He  is  risen,  and  is  no  longer  here. 
Go  and  tell  His  disciples  and  Peter  that  the  Lord 
goeth  hefore  you  into  Galilee.  There  shall  ye 
see  Him  as  He  said  unto  you. 

Women. 
[Departing  hastily  in  terror,  then  recollecting 
themselves.]  What  a  heavenly  message!  He 
is  risen.  Let  us  hasten  and  bring  the  tidings 
to  all  the  disciples  which  the  Angel  hath  brought 
to  us. 


SCENE  HL 

The  Priests  and  the  Watch. 

Caiaphas. 
It  cannot  possibly  have  happened  as  the  watch 
declared,  [lie  goes  quickly  to  the  grave.]  It 
is  true.  The  stone  is  rolled  away,  the  sepulchre 
is  empty.  [To  the  Watch.]  How  did  this  hap- 
pen? Confess,  or  the  most  fearful  punishment 
awaits  you. 

.219 


Cbe   passion    piap 


Watch. 
We  can  say  nothing  different  from  what  we 
have  already  reported. 

Pharisees. 
Ye  lie. 

Watch. 
But  how  could  any  one  have  entered,  when 
the  door  was  closed  and  we  sat  around  the  se- 
pulchre. 

Caiaphas. 
Ye  are  yourselves  in  the  plot. 

Annas. 
Why  did  ye  not  at  once  raise  an  alarm? 

Watch. 
When  a  thunderbolt  has  stricken  us  to  earth? 

Rabbi. 
Whither  was  the  Body  taken  away? 

Watch. 
That  we  know  not.     He  is  risen,  as  ye  feared. 
We  are  going-  to  Pilate,  who  shall  decide,  and 
in  the  whole  city  w'ill  we  make  known  what  we 
have  seen. 

Caiaphas. 
[Whispers  to  the  Priests.]  We  must  keep 
them  back.  [To  the  Watch.]  Believe  what  ye 
will.  Meanwhile  it  is  our  duty  to  see  that  the 
event  remains  in  obscurity.  Your  silence  shall 
bring  you  a  rich  reward. 

Watch. 
But  the  thing  will  become  known  and  for  such 
a  deception  Pilate  would  punish  us  severely. 

220 


mt   pa00ion   piap 


Annas. 
For  that  leave  us  to  take  thought. 

Caiaphas. 
[Gives  money  to  the  Watch.]    We  will  answer 
for  you  to  Pilate. 

Watch. 
[Taking  the  money.]      But,  if  we  are  ques- 
tioned ? 

Caiaphas. 
Then  say  ye  only :     His  disciples  came  while 
we  slept  and  stole  Him  away. 

Watch. 
Then   take   back   your   money.       From    such 
words  Pilate  would  then  most  severely   punish 
us. 

Caiaphas. 
J.  will  answer  for  it  to  you,  in  the  name  of 
the   whole   Council  that  ye   shall   come  off  un- 
punished. 

Pharisee. 
Be  without  anxiety  and  be  silent. 

Watch. 
We  will  be  silent. 

Caiaphas. 
\Tq  his  followers.]  Now  seize  every  oppor- 
tunity to  spread  abroad  among-  the  people  that 
the  Body  was  taken  away  by  His  followers.  The 
victory  is  ours,  the  Enemy  is  dead.  Plis  Body 
may  lie  where  it  will.  In  a  few  years  will  the 
name  of  the  Nazarene  be  forgotten,  or  only 
named  with  scorn.     His  work  is  at  an  end. 

221 


Ctie   pa00ion   piap 


SCENE  IV. 

[John,  Peter,  Magdalene,  then  Christ  and 
an  Angel.] 

John. 

I  will  convince  myself  whether  Mary  saw 
rightly.  [He  looks  into  the  sepulchre.']  It  is 
empty.     But  to  enter  I  dare  not. 

Peter. 

We  must,  however,  search  more  closely. 
[Coming  out  of  the  grave.]  Behold  thyself, 
John,  how  orderly  the  napkins  are  folded  to- 
gether by  themselves.  All  is  arranged  in  the 
grave  as  when  one  who  arises  from  sleep  lays 
his  night-garments  in  the  appointed  place. 

John. 

0  Simon,  what  thoughts  do  thy  words  awak- 
en in  me !  Is  the  Lord  perchance  arisen  from 
death  as  from  gentle  sleep? 

Peter. 
If  that  were  true.      But    I  never  took  that 
prophecy  to  the  letter. 

John. 

1  doubt  no  longer. 

Peter. 
God  grant  it.     We  will  now  hasten  to  our 
brethren  and  bring  them  this  consolation.    Mary, 
comest  thou  not  with  us? 

222 


Clje   pa0S(ion   piap 


Magdalene. 
Let  me  weep  here  alone. 

John. 
Do  not  linger  too  long,  Mary. 

Magdalene. 
Now  flow  down,  O  tears. 

Angel. 
[Appearing  at  the  sepulehre.]     Woman,  why 
weepest  thou  ? 

Magdalene. 
Alas,  they  have  taken  away  my  Lord,  and  I 
know  not  where  they  have  laid  Him. 

Christ. 
[Appearing  amongst  the  trees.]     Woman,  why 
weepest  thou  ? 

Magdalene. 
Sir,  if  Thou  have  borne  Him  hence  tell  me 
where  Thou  hast  laid  Him. 

Christ. 
Mary. 

Magdalene. 
O,  that  is  His  voice.    Rabboni ! 

Christ. 
Touch  Me  not,  for  I  am  not  yet  ascended  to 
My  Father.  But  go  to  My  brethren,  and  say 
unto  them:  I  ascend  unto  My  Father  and  your 
Father,  and  to  My  God  and  your  God.  [He 
disappears.] 

Magdalene. 
O,  my  Master.    He  hath  vanished.    But  I  have 
seen  Him — have  heard  the  beloved  voice.     Now 

223 


Cije   pa0Sion   piap 


depart  hence,  sorrow  and  sadness.  I  will  hasten 
as  upon  wings  to  the  brethren,  and  will  an- 
nounce to  them  the  greeting  of  the  risen  One. 
O  that  I  could  proclaim  it  throughout  all  worlds, 
that  mountains  and  floods,  heaven  and  earth, 
might  re-echo:     Hallelujah,  He  is  risen. 


LAST   SCENE. 

[He  is  risen.  Rejoice,  ye  heavens.  He  is  ris- 
en. Rejoice,  ye  mortals.  The  Lion  of  the  tribe 
of  Jiidah.  He  hath  bruised  the  serpent's  head. 
Faith  stands  firm.  The  fore-image  and  pledge 
of  our  future  resurrection  azvaiics  joyful  hope  in 
O'lir  heart.  Cry  with  the  voice  of  rejoicing — 
Hallelujah!  We  saw  Him  outer  Jerusalem'  in 
humility,  and,  ah,  for  the  deepest  humiliation. 
Noiv  let  us  behold,  before  zve  separate,  the  vic- 
torious solemnity  of  the  Conqueror.  Now  He 
ascends  to  the  highest  glory,  full  of  majesty,  to 
the  iVt'tc  Jerusalem,  where  He  zvill  gather  to 
Himself  all  whom  He  hath  purchased  zvith  His 
blood.  Strengthened  and  full  of  joy  at  this 
sight,  return  to  your  homes,  O  friends,  tilled  zvith 
inmost  love  for  Him  who  loved  you  even  unto 
death,  and  still  in  Heaven  ez'crlastingly  loves 
you — 'there,  zvhere  the  eternal  song  of  triumph 
resounds:  Praise  be  to  the  La^nb  zvhich  was 
slain.  There  reunited  around  our  Saznor,  we 
shall  all  meet  again.    Hallelujah!] 

224 


C!)e   pa$$ion   piag 


Chorus. 

Hallelujah ! 

The  Hero  hath  conquered 

The  might  of  the  foe 

Few  hours  in  the  grave 

In  the  gloom  hath  He  slept. 

Sing  to  Him  in  holy  Psalms 

Strew   before  Him  Conqueror's  palms 

The  Lord  hath  risen 

Rejoice,  ye  Heavens. 

Sing,  Earth,  to  the  Victor 

To  Thee  who  hath  risen 

Hallelujah ! 

Chorus. 
Praise  Him,  Conqueror  of  Death, 
Once  condemned  on  Gabbatha 
Praise  the   Holy  One,  ye   sinners 
Who  died   for  us  on  Calvary. 

Bring  your  praises  to  the  Highest 
To  the  Lamb  who  once  was  slain. 
Hallelujah! 
Who  victorious  from  the  grave 
Doth  on  high  forever  reign. 
Hallelujah,  Hallelujah! 

Let  our  harps  in  concert  ring 

Joy   through  every  spirit  thrill. 
To  the  Victor  crowns  now  bring 

To  Him  who  rose  and  lives  for  aye. 
Bring  your  praises  to  the  Highest,  etc. 
225 


Clje   pa^jsion   piap 


Praises  sing  ye,  Heavenly  hosts. 
Praise  and  glory  to  the  Lord 
Worship,  might,  and  power  and  praise 
Be  to  Him  for  evermore 

Bring  your  praises  to  the  Highest,  etc. 

THE  CLOSING  TABLEAU:  The  Ascen- 
sion. 

[Christ  in  a  white  robe,  with  a  palm  branch 
in  His  hand,  is  surrounded  by  His  Disciples, 
Mary  Magdalene  and  His  Mother.  With  in- 
finite tenderness  He  bids  them  farezvell;  blesses 
them  and  ascends  from  their  midst,  folloived  by 
their  adoring  gace,  to  a  band  of  joyful  Angels 
rvaiting  to  receive  Him,  while  over  all  peal  the 
resounding  strains  of  the  chorus  of  gladness.^ 


Finis. 


226 


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